By Genics
New Australian-led research delivers a validated SNP array for black tiger shrimp and precisely localises the sex-determining locus. Backed by contributions from CSIRO and Genics, a leader in aquatic pathogen detection and genomic analysis, this peer-reviewed work unveils practical genomic tools to fast-track domestication and selective breeding in black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). The findings provide a clear path for producers to strengthen broodstock management, accelerate genetic gain, and support reliable production for the species across the Indo-Pacific.
After analysing genomes across farmed and wild stocks, Australian researchers designed a dense, evenly spaced panel of informative DNA markers (SNPs) tailored to P. monodon. Performance testing showed strong results and consistency across stocks, demonstrating that the panel is fit for routine use in both commercial farming and research. In practical terms, this gives breeding programs a clear view of how animals are related and how much genetic variety they have. The panel allows breeding programs to track genetic diversity, control inbreeding, and make data-driven selections for growth, survivability, and resilience — cornerstones of reliable domestication and production.
Lead CSIRO researcher Dr James Kijas said the SNP tool will be important for a range of breeding applications. “This custom SNP tool will be invaluable for tracking levels of genetic diversity, managing inbreeding and selecting populations for improved performance.”
Researchers also mapped the genetic marker of sex to a discrete interval on one chromosome, clarifying long-standing uncertainty around inheritance patterns in black tiger shrimp. This result provides a practical handle for breeding programs: the ability to know genetic sex, reduce unintended inbreeding, and inform strategies where sex-linked performance differences may be relevant to production. Combined with the new SNP array, this research gives producers more precise levers to align broodstock planning with commercial goals.
“Putting a validated, species-specific informative genotyping tool into the hands of producers marks a real turning point for P. monodon,” said Dr Melony Sellars, founder and CEO of Genics.
“For years, breeding ambitions have been constrained by inconsistent access to wild broodstock and limited visibility of the underlying genetics. This research changes that equation and allows commercial farmers across the world to quantify diversity, manage risk, and accelerate genetic gain in a controlled, sustainable way.”
According to Dr Ralf Moser, co-author and Chief Science Officer at Genics, the emphasis was on practical utility from day one. “We set out to build a panel that performs across multiple lineages and farming contexts, not just in a single reference population. The outcome is a validated marker set that breeders can use immediately, whether the objective is diversity spot-checks, guiding mate allocation, or building the foundations for genomic selection.”
For producers, the immediate applications are clear. Hatcheries can deploy genotyping to inform mating plans that maintain diversity while pushing targeted improvement. Grow-out operations can begin linking performance data to genomic profiles, preparing the ground for selection on traits that matter at farm scale. Importantly for Indo-Pacific supply chains, these capabilities support a gradual transition away from reliance on wild capture broodstock and toward predictable, biosecure production.
This new resource dovetails with Genics’ existing applied genomics services for the P. vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) industry. ShrimpID is used by breeding programs globally and supports parentage verification, relatedness analysis, and informed mate allocation — capabilities that complement the research advances and help translate them into day-to-day decisions. As datasets accumulate, producers focus down to cost-effective marker subsets for routine screening while retaining accuracy in relatedness estimates and selection indices.
“This is about giving farmers tools that work in the real world,” added Dr Moser. “Our genomics panels are informative across different stocks and geographies, and they’re flexible enough to be adapted for lower-density applications as programs scale.”
Dr Sellars agrees: “When you can see the genetics clearly, you can plan clearly. That’s how the sector moves from potential to performance, with stronger broodstock management, faster improvement, and more consistent results on farm.”
Genics’ ShrimpID P. monodon service leverages this high-density SNP marker panel to accurately assess genetic diversity and trace lineage, providing shrimp farmers with vital insights to inform breeding programs and optimize stock performance — further supporting Genics’ mission to advance biosecurity and food security globally.
About Genics
Genics is an Australian biotechnology company advancing aquaculture and agriculture through diagnostics, genomics, and data-driven insights. From early detection to breeding support tools, Genics helps producers make confident decisions that improve performance, biosecurity, and sustainability.
Photos courtesy of Genics
Read the full publication here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0044848625012426
For further details contact:Jade Naumann
Marketing & Communications Manager Genics
jade.naumann@genics.com.au | +61 401 925 939
