Genetics and breeding of the ivory snail <i>(Babylonia areolata)</i>: Current status, challenges and prospects

Van Sang Vu; Thiyagarajan Vengatesen; Duc Long Nguyen; Thi Thao Vu; Thi Hoan Ngo; Thi Nhu Phuong Le; Thi Thuy Vu; Phuong Ha Vu; Kim Hyun Woo; Huy Hoang Nguyen

doi:10.15625/vjbt-23543

Author affiliations

Authors

Van Sang Vu \(^1\) Faculty of Biology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1929-4419
Thiyagarajan Vengatesen \(^3\) Hong Kong Oyster Hatchery & Innovation Research Unit, The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Duc Long Nguyen \(^1\) Faculty of Biology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
Thi Thao Vu \(^4\) Phuong Thuy Genomics Company Limited, Son Dong, Hanoi, Vietnam
Thi Hoan Ngo \(^5\) Faculty of Fisheries, Ha Long University, Vang Danh, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Thi Nhu Phuong Le \(^5\) Faculty of Fisheries, Ha Long University, Vang Danh, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Thi Thuy Vu \(^4\) Phuong Thuy Genomics Company Limited, Son Dong, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phuong Ha Vu \(^1\) Faculty of Biology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi city, Vietnam
Kim Hyun Woo \(^6\) Faculty of Marine Science, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
Huy Hoang Nguyen \(^2\) Institute of Biology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15625/vjbt-23543

Keywords:

Babylonia areolata, genetic improvement, genomic selection molecular markers.

Abstract

The ivory snail, Babylonia areolata, is a high-value marine mollusc widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific and increasingly farmed in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam. Its fast growth, short farming cycle, and strong market demand have made it a promising aquaculture species for the coastal provinces in Vietnam. However, the B. areolata industry faces major challenges, including low seed quality and poor broodstock management. To achieve sustainable and rapid development, the establishment of high-quality breeding populations for long-term improvement is essential. This review synthesizes current knowledge of reproductive biology, genetics and selective breeding for B. areolata, highlighting advances in molecular tools for assessing population structure, genetic variation, and trait-associated markers as well as prospects for a selective breeding program in Vietnam. Selective breeding programs targeting growth rate and disease resistance are discussed, alongside challenges such as the lack of comprehensive genomic resources, high larval mortality, and inbreeding risks. To meet the high-quality seed demand for ivory snail industry, a selective breeding program was initiated in Vietnam in 2024, focusing on improving growth rate. However, no genes or molecular markers have been identified for this species yet. By integrating modern genomic technologies with traditional selection approaches, B. areolata aquaculture can achieve significant genetic gains, ensuring the fast and sustainable development of strains that meet both commercial and conservation objectives.

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