Experimental hybridization in abalones

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Abstract
Homologous and hybrid zygotes, larvae and juveniles were produced from induced spawnings among four abalone species native to the California coast: the Red, Haliotis rufescens, the Pink, H. corrugata, the Green, H. fulgens, and the White, H. sorenseni, abalones. The sperm concentration for optimal fertilization and subsequent development was 106/ml in homologous combinations and 107/ml in heterologous crosses. The best success was achieved in heterologous fertilizations when sperms were added to ova within 15 min after the ova were spawned. Highest fertilization rates in homologous combinations, 80–100%, were obtained even three hours after egg expulsion. Except for crosses between White females and Red males (which averaged 96%), fertilization rates for heterologous crosses averaged 10–36%. Viable larvae were obtained from all crosses. Back-cross combinations produced juveniles separable by phenotype in the ratio 1:1. Hybrid Red × Green abalone proved fertile, yielding F2 progeny in ratios also suggesting simple Mendelian inheritance. Hybrid Red × White and Red × Green juveniles displayed growth rates better than one or both parental forms. Red × Pink progeny were characterized by survival far superior to that for homologous Pink abalones in culture. This heterosis may be of special value to aquaculture and to fishery enhancement programs.

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