Comparison analysis of major traits among four shell color selective lines of pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata)

To evaluate the breeding performance of sixth generations of pearl oysters (Pinctada fucata) (white, black, red and gold shell color selective lines), we analyzed 12 indices of morphological traits, weight, shell-closing strength and resistance to Polydora ciliata for an 18-month culture cycle by ANOVA. Significant difference was found in shell height, hinge length, shell width, body weight, shell weight, tissue weight, adductor weight, shell-closing strength, infestation ratio of right shell and infestation ratio of shell among four shell color selective lines (P < 0.05). The average values of selective breeding traits indicate that white shell color line was the best line for growth of shell height and resistance to P.ciliate. Golden shell color line was the best line for growth of shell width, body weight and shell-closing strength. The results provide references for multi-trait compound breeding of P. fucata.