Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg websites (e.g. go.gov.sg/open). Trusted websites
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam. For more information on how to protect yourself against scams, please visit the ScamShield website.

Republic Polytechnic
Agri-Food Innovation

Identification of Genetically Superior Traits in Aquaculture Fish using SNP Array

This 70k Axiom SNP array technology enables simultaneous genetic analysis and pathogen screening for two key food fish species in Singapore—red snapper and barramundi. Designed for researchers and aquaculture practitioners, it supports improved breeding programmes and fish health management by integrating over 70,000 SNPs and diagnostic markers for multiple pathogens.

Round fish farm pool filled with water, surrounded by mesh and black metal railing.

Technology overview

This technology is a 70k Axiom Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) array for two common food fish species in Singapore – Asian seabass/Barramundi and red snapper.

Red Snapper: This technology offers an SNP array designed for red snapper, featuring 70,774 SNPs identified through advanced bioinformatics pipelines. The array incorporates 130 monomorphic SNPs associated with 13 critical pathogens, including ‘Big Belly’ disease, Vibrio virus, Scale Drop virus, Streptococcus iniae, Megalovirus and Iridovirus. It allows researchers and aquaculture companies to genotype red snapper and gain simultaneous insights into the presence of these pathogens. The key problem addressed is the lack of integrated tools for both genetic analysis and pathogen screening in aquaculture, which can hinder effective breeding and health management strategies. The primary users are researchers in fish genetics and aquaculture practitioners looking to enhance breeding programs and monitor fish health efficiently.

Barramundi: This technology provides an SNP array for barramundi with 70,182 finalised SNPs derived from a diverse set of datasets, including whole genome re-sequencing and RADseq. It features SNPs associated with growth traits, disease resistance, omega-3 content, and diagnostic markers for 10 barramundi pathogens. This array addresses the need for a comprehensive tool that supports both genetic improvement and disease monitoring in barramundi aquaculture. By offering integrated pathogen detection at no extra cost, it supports effective management of fish health and optimises breeding strategies. The technology is targeted at researchers and aquaculture companies aiming to advance barramundi breeding programs and enhance fish health management practices.

Technology features

  • Use of these SNP chips in breeding programmes by farmers and breeding centres will aid in the identification of fish which are genetically superior in terms of aquaculture traits such as faster growth, nutritional profile and disease resistance. This will thus ensure not only a good, uniform quality but also a good quantity of fingerlings.

  • Sample collection entails a simple tail fin clip, and analyses would take 1-2 weeks.

Potential applications

  • Breeding Programmes

  • Researchers

  • Aquaculture practitioners

  • Aquaculture farms

Benefits

  • Dual Functionality: Combines genetic analysis and pathogen screening in a single tool.

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Over 70,000 SNPs per array for red snapper and barramundi, covering key traits and health markers.

  • Improved Breeding: Supports selective breeding for traits like growth, disease resistance, and omega-3 content.

  • Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need for separate genetic and diagnostic tools.

  • Streamlined Operations: Simplifies workflows for researchers and aquaculture practitioners.

Commercialisation

  • This technology is available for licensing and technology transfer.

Partner with us today

Get in touch with us today for more information and collaboration opportunities!  

Contact us  

Back to top