Selective Breeding Program in Ornamental Fishes with Special Emphasis on Guppy

By : Judith Betsy C. , Vinisha, M.S. , Smriti S.

Page No: 62-69

Abstract
The ornamental fish industry is a rapidly expanding segment of global aquaculture, in which the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) holds a prominent commercial position owing to its exceptional phenotypic diversity, short generation time, and ease of captive breeding. This review consolidates current knowledge on selective breeding strategies in guppies, with particular focus on the genetic basis of ornamental traits. Quantitative genetic investigations have consistently demonstrated moderate to high heritability for key characteristics such as colour patterns, pigmentation intensity, and fin morphology, underscoring the effectiveness of structured selection programmes. The wide array of colour phenotypes observed in domesticated guppy strains is governed by genes involved in chromatophore development, melanin synthesis, and carotenoid uptake and metabolism. Recent advances in molecular genetics and genomics have facilitated the application of marker-assisted and genomic selection, enabling more accurate and accelerated genetic improvement. The integration of traditional selective breeding with modern genomic approaches has strengthened the role of the guppy not only as a cornerstone species in ornamental aquaculture but also as a valuable model organism for investigating sex-linked inheritance and evolutionary genetics. Insights gained from guppy breeding programmes have broader relevance for the sustainable genetic improvement of other ornamental fish species.

Authors
Judith Betsy C., Vinisha, M.S. and Smriti S.: Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Vaniyanchavadi, OMR Campus, Chennai,
 

DOI: http://doi.org/10.32381/JAT.2026.41.1-4.6