Establishing developmental genetics in a self-fertilizing fish (Krytolebias marmoratus)

Abstract

Kryptolebias marmoratus is a synchronous hermaphroditic vertebrate that utilizes an ovotestis for reproduction. This fish develops externally, is easy to maintain, and has about a 100-day life cycle, making it a desirable developmental genetic model organism. Here, we present a pilot zygotic mutant screen utilizing the common chemical mutagen, N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) to establish genetics in this model species. Selection of clonal stocks and optimal conditions for mutagenizing this fish are presented and the types and frequencies of zygotic mutants are documented in comparison to other fish models. Kryptolebias marmoratus is an exemplar model organism that will complement future developmental genetic screens in vertebrates. © 2012 The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology. All rights reserved. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.