Chromosome set manipulation in shellfish

Chromosome set manipulation may produce phenotypic changes that are useful in aquaculture. Chromosome set manipulation in shellfish has led to the production of polyploid, gynogenetic and aneuploid animals. While studies on gynogenetic and aneuploid shellfish have been largely academic, research on polyploids has made significant contributions to shellfish aquaculture. Triploids have been produced and evaluated in many species. Triploid shellfish grow significantly faster than diploids in most species studied so far. Their sterility often results in improved meat quality and provides biological containment of cultured stocks. Triploids have become an important part of the oyster farming industry and may have similar potential in other shellfish. Tetraploids have been successfully produced and used for triploid production in oysters. Tetraploid induction in other species remains a major challenge that hinders commercial production of triploids.