| 英文摘要 |
Ornamental fish production for the aquarium industry is a multibillion dollar industry in the Asia countries. In ornamental high-value species such as cichlasoma, and goldfish (Carassius auratus), emphasis should be given to achieving high levels of skin pigmentation, which, together with body shape, fin shape and body size, are the most important quality criteria informing their market value. The colours and patterns of the skin provides a fascinating system used for the study of pattern formation in experimental and theoretical research alike. Since 1945, cichlids have become increasingly popular as aquarium fish Cichlids are ideally suited as aquarium fish.Cichlasoma is a genus of fish in the cichlid family. The most ubiquitous aquarium hybrid is perhaps the blood parrot cichlid which is a cross of several species especially those from genus cichlasoma. There are several gene requirements in vertebrate melanocyte development and regulate pigment pattern. Fish of the family Cichlidae are particularly known for brilliant coloration especially in mature males. Therefore, cichlasoma is suitable as animal model to study genetic pigment pattern. In the present study, we propose using cichlasoma species as model fish to study genetic pigmentation and pattern. To fulfill this objective, we will establish following short term studies; 1) molecular cloning and characterization of tyrosinase gene and pigment pattern regulator genes, such as Mitf and PSTS genes. 2) to determine sex steroids, neurotansmitters influence pigementation in blood parrot cichlid. 3) to employ these results to develop commercial color enhancing diet for blood red parrot . We will expect that the outcome of this project will be several-fold, First, to elucidate regulator genes action pigmentation and pattern on cichlasoma. Second, to develop a high effectively color enhancing diet for commercial ornamental fish purpose. The application of biotechnology in ornamental fish could provide a significant competitive edge for Taiwan ornamental fish industry wise enough to explore its benefits. |