Fish genetics research in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Fish genetics research conducted in two research centers and other institutions in Côte d’Ivoire is presented. Most of this research so far conducted focused on population genetics. In addition to electrophoresis characterization, morphometric and meristic characteristics were used to evaluate and describe fish population in Côte d’Ivoire. Recent genetic research tools, such as microsatellites, restriction fragment length polymorphism of mitochondrial DNA techniques have been used. Research activities dealt mainly with tilapias (Sarotherodon melanotheron, Oreochromis niloticus and O. aureus) and Siluriformes (Clarias gariepinus, C. anguillaris, Heterobranchus longifilis, H. bidorsalis and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) which were mostly used for their potential for aquaculture. One of the research centers, the Fish Station, attached to the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique-Bouaké regional office, is participating in the International Network on Genetics in Aquaculture Project.