Identification of housekeeping genes suitable for gene expression analysis in Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. jian)

► Partial sequences of four housekeeping genes (HK) were cloned. ► Gene expression levels were quantified by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). ► Stability of HK gene expression levels were evaluated. ► EF-1α was the most suitable HK gene in all tissues of juvenile and adult Jian carp.