For the first time in the country, successful identification of the genome sequence of local Shing fish and the potential identification of gender-specific genes in female-male Shing fish has been achieved by a team of researchers led by Prof Dr Taslima Khanam, Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).

On the research, Prof. Taslima stated that as part of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science’s programme, the sequencing work was completed at the University of Tokyo in Japan from 2022 to 2024.

In the continuation of the initiative, potential gender identification genes have been identified using draft genomes created, which is the first in any domestic fish.

Additionally, the results of the research project were presented at an international scientific conference organised by the Japanese Society of Fisheries Sciences.

She also informed that the research team, led by Taslima Khanam, consisted of researchers from Bangladesh, Japan, and Sweden.

She further stated that gender differences in some fish species can be observed in terms of physical growth. Shing fish is another example where female shing fish show 40-60 per cent more growth compared to the male. Again, It is considered one of the most effective methods to increase the commercial production of tilapia by producing monosex tilapia fish.

Therefore, the identification of gender-specific genes is crucial for the successful production of monosex shing fish. She added that, as a result of gender identification gene recognition, it will be possible to produce monosex shing fish quickly through Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) instead of the prevailing method. From the shing fish genome, not only the gender-determining genes but also other characteristics such as physical growth, disease resistance, and adaptation to the environment will play significant roles by gene identification.

Commenting on the research, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Emdadul Haque Chowdhury said, “We know that male fish are generally stronger than female fish. But it’s the opposite for shing fish. Female shing fish are stronger. If more female fish are selected, production can be increased. It will be easier to do so through gender determination.”