Seedling Selection of the Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea) for Sustainable Aquaculture: A Review
Source abstract
Abstract
The large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is one of China’s most economically important marine fish species, with its cage culture production leading the nation for many years. However, the rapid expansion of aquaculture has brought challenges such as germplasm degradation, reduced disease resistance, inconsistent product quality, and low adoption of improved strains, which have hindered the sustainable development of the industry. The primary objective of this review is to summarize the current practices and challenges in seedling selection for L. crocea. The secondary objectives include discussing the influence of genetic, physiological, and environmental factors on growth performance and proposing future research directions for sustainable breeding programs. This review covers key topics including morphological screening, growth performance evaluation, genetic diversity conservation, disease resistance improvement, and adaptation to environmental stress. It also explores the application of modern technologies such as marker-assisted selection, intelligent monitoring, environmental control, precision feeding, and disease prevention. Moreover, it highlights core issues in current breeding practices, such as over-reliance on single-trait selection and insufficient integration of environmental adaptability and disease resistance. Finally, future trends are discussed, emphasizing the integration of genomic tools with artificial intelligence to promote intelligent, precise, and sustainable breeding approaches. These insights aim to enhance aquaculture productivity while supporting long-term ecological balance and industry sustainability.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth · Aquatic life and conservation · Fish Biology and Ecology Studies
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Key Laboratory of Fisheries Remote Sensing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai 200090, China
College of Navigation and Naval Architecture, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
Funding
Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute (ECSFR), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS)
References (100+)
Show source-provided references
1. Larimichthys crocea (large yellow croaker): A bibliometric study10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37393 ↗
2. Protection and utilization status and prospect of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) germplasm resources
3. Gong, D., Cui, X., Song, M., Xing, B., Xu, P., Tang, Y., and Yin, L. (2023). Behavior of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) in pen aquaculture as measured by meter-scale telemetry. Front. Mar. Sci., 10.10.3389/fmars.2023.1177037 ↗
4. Yuan, J., Lin, H., Wu, L., Zhuang, X., Ma, J., Kang, B., and Ding, S. (2021). Resource status and effect of long-term stock enhancement of large yellow croaker in China. Front. Mar. Sci., 8.10.3389/fmars.2021.743836 ↗
5. Janssen, K. (2019). The Economic Optimization of Breeding Programs in Aquaculture. [Ph.D. Thesis, Wageningen University].
6. Stability of population genetic structure in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea): Insights from temporal, geographical factors, and artificial restocking processes10.1002/ece3.70207 ↗
7. Azra, M.N., Okomoda, V.T., and Ikhwanuddin, M. (2022). Breeding technology as a tool for sustainable aquaculture production and ecosystem services. Front. Mar. Sci., 9.10.3389/fmars.2022.679529 ↗
8. Germplasm innovation of large yellow croaker and its research progress10.1016/j.repbre.2025.03.006 ↗
9. Analysis of morphological differences in five large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) populations
10. Application of computer vision in morphological and body weight measurements of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
11. Pattern recognition method for the identification of Daiqu large yellow croaker based on computer vision
12. “Minyou No. 1” Large Yellow Croaker Passed the Provincial Evaluation for Original and Fine Aquatic Seed
13. Li, M. (2016). Large Yellow Croaker “Donghai No. 1”. Rural. Inf., 36, (In Chinese).
14. Rapid Detecting Method for Pseudosciaena crocea Morphological Parameters Based on the Machine Vision
15. Chen, J.-W. (2016). QTL Analysis of Some Morphological Traits in the Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea). [Master’s Thesis, Jimei University]. (In Chinese).
16. Jiang, S., Wang, J.-Y., Yang, W.-L., Kong, D.-W., Yang, Q.-B., Huang, J.-H., Yang, Y.-D., and Zhou, F.-L. (2024). Evaluation of genetic parameters of growth traits in G2 selected generation of Penaeus monodon. Isr. J. Aquac.-Bamidgeh, 76.10.46989/001c.92136 ↗
17. Realized Heritability and Growth of Offsprings of Wild Large Yellow Croaker Pseudosciaena crocea
18. Dong, L., Fang, M., and Wang, Z. (2017). Prediction of genomic breeding values using new computing strategies for the implementation of MixP. Sci. Rep., 7.10.1038/s41598-017-17366-2 ↗
19. Disruption of mstn gene by CRISPR/Cas9 in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)10.1007/s10126-022-10135-x ↗
20. Analysis of the Muscle Structure and Protein Composition of Different Varieties of Cultured Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
21. SNP Detection of FST Gene and Its Association With Growth Traits in Larimichthys crocea
22. Sui, B.-L. (2012). Genetic Parameters Estimation and Correlation Analysis Between Growth-Related Traits and Microsatellite Markers in Large Yellow Croaker Larimichthys crocea. [Master’s Thesis, Jimei University]. (In Chinese).
23. A comparative study on the quality of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) of different sizes cultured in different cage systems10.1155/2023/6628371 ↗
24. Genetic structure and genetic diversity analysis of four consecutive breeding generations of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) using microsatellite markers10.3724/SP.J.1231.2010.06624 ↗
25. Genetic diversity and population structure of small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) in the Yellow and East China seas based on microsatellites10.1051/alr/2019017 ↗
26. Establishment of diploid hybrid strains derived from female Larimichthys crocea× male Larimichthys polyactis and transmission of parental mtDNA in hybrid progenies10.1016/j.aquaculture.2022.738693 ↗
27. The genetic diversity of F4 generations of “Donghai No. 1” large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) analyzed by AFLP
28. Genetic structure of the small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) across the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea by microsatellite DNA variation: Implications for the division of management units10.7717/peerj.13789 ↗
29. Xu, S.-W., Ge, M.-F., Feng, J., Wei, X.-X., Tan, H.-L., Liang, Z., and Tong, G.-X. (2024). Epidemiological investigation on diseases of Larimichthys crocea in Ningbo culture area. Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol., 14.10.3389/fcimb.2024.1420995 ↗
30. Identification and Expression Analysis of LncRNAs Reveal the Immune Mechanism of Visceral White-Nodules Disease Resistance in Large Yellow Croaker10.1007/s10126-022-10181-5 ↗
31. Single nucleotide polymorphisms and its association with disease resistant trait of ISG15 genes in Larimichthys crocea
32. Molecular characteristics and antiviral effects of ATG10 in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
33. Isolation, Identification, Inhibition Spectrum and Safety Test of Antagonistic Bacteria to Major Pathogenic Bacteria in Larimichtys crocea
34. Liu, L.-D. (2024). “Core” technology breaks through the genetic code of large yellow croaker and largemouth bass. Sci. Fish Farming, 8–11. (In Chinese).
35. Fish Genomics and Its Application in Disease-Resistance Breeding10.1111/raq.12973 ↗
36. Genome-wide association and genomic selection in aquaculture10.1111/raq.12750 ↗
37. Tetsuo, K., Liyi, P., Ryota, I., Chunyan, C., Ping, W., Ikuyo, T., Yingying, Y., Xiaojun, Y., Baoying, G., and Weiye, L. (2021). Whole-genome resequencing of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) reveals the population structure and signatures of environmental adaptation. Sci. Rep., 11.10.1038/s41598-021-90645-1 ↗
38. Comparison of antioxidant capacity in tissues, musele ultrastructure and related gene expression of Larimichthys crocea with different anti-flowing abilities
39. Genome-wide association study of thermal tolerance in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) based on SLAF-seq technology
40. Ji, Q., Xie, Z.-l., Li, L.-Z., Han, X.-L., and Song, W. (2024). A Characterization of the RNA Modification Response to Starvation under Low Temperatures in Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea). Fishes, 9.10.3390/fishes9010041 ↗
41. Mechanism of salinity acclimation in Larimichthys crocea improving tolerance to salinity stress
42. Genome-wide association study identified candidate SNPs and genes associated with hypoxia tolerance in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)10.1016/j.aquaculture.2022.738472 ↗
43. Comparative analysis of energy metabolism differences among populations of Larimichthys crocea with different flow resistances
44. Advances in environmental tolerance and resistance breeding in fish
45. Screening of microsatellite markers associated with cold tolerance oflarge yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea R.)
46. Genetic Diversity Analysis and Screening of Microsatellite Markers Associated with Cold Tolerance of Large Yellow Croaker Pseudosciaena crocea Richardson
47. Screening of microsatellite markers associated with cold tolerance of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea)
48. Li, J.-K. (2015). Effects of High Temperature on Physiology Biochemistry and Screening Related Microsatellite Markers in Large Yellow Croaker Larimichthys crocea. [Master’s Thesis, Jimei University]. (In Chinese).
49. GWAS identified candidate variants and genes associated with acute heat tolerance of large yellow croaker10.1016/j.aquaculture.2021.736696 ↗
50. Genome-wide identification of cis-acting expression QTLs in large yellow croaker10.1007/s10126-020-10017-0 ↗
51. Genetic mapping and QTL analysis of growth traits in the large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea10.1007/s10126-014-9590-z ↗
52. GWAS reveals heritable individual variations in the inherent swimming performance of juvenile large yellow croaker10.1016/j.aquaculture.2022.738419 ↗
53. GWAS and genomic prediction revealed potential for genetic improvement of large yellow croaker adapting to high plant protein diet10.1016/j.aquaculture.2022.738090 ↗
54. Development and identification of a sex-specific molecular marker in Dai-qu stock large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)10.1016/j.aquaculture.2022.738172 ↗
55. Genomic Selection of Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea) with a High Plant Protein Diet Enhances the Growth Performance of Offspring10.1007/s10126-024-10341-9 ↗
56. Genomic selection for visceral white-nodules diseases resistance in large yellow croaker10.1016/j.aquaculture.2022.738421 ↗
57. Effective CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)10.1016/j.aaf.2021.04.008 ↗
58. Advances of Gene Editing Technology in Genetic Breeding of Fish
59. Xiao, S.-J., Li, J.-T., Ma, F.-S., Fang, L.-J., Xu, S.-B., Chen, W., and Wang, Z.-Y. (2015). Rapid construction of genome map for large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) by the whole-genome mapping in BioNano Genomics Irys system. BMC Genom., 16.10.1186/s12864-015-1871-z ↗
60. Li, Q., Zhu, J.-J., Liu, S.-F., Liu, H.-W., Zhang, T.-L., Ye, T., Lou, B., and Liu, F. (2024). QTL Mapping-Based Identification of Visceral White-Nodules Disease Resistance Genes in Larimichthys polyactis. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 25.10.3390/ijms252010872 ↗
61. Construction of the high-density genetic linkage map and chromosome map of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)10.3390/ijms161125951 ↗
62. Genetic variation and population genetic structure of the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) based on genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms in farmed and wild populations10.1016/j.fishres.2020.105718 ↗
63. Evaluation for the effect of low-coverage sequencing on genomic selection in large yellow croaker10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.736323 ↗
64. Zhou, T., Chen, B.-H., Ke, Q.-Z., Zhao, J., Pu, F., Wu, Y.-D., Chen, L., Zhou, Z.-X., Bai, Y.-L., and Pan, Y. (2020). Development and evaluation of a high-throughput single-nucleotide polymorphism array for large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). Front. Genet., 11.10.3389/fgene.2020.571751 ↗
65. Genetic parameter estimation of nine quantitative traits by a marker-based method in Large Yellow Croaker, Larimichthys crocea (Richardson)10.1111/are.13412 ↗
66. Genome-wide association study of growth and body-shape-related traits in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) using ddRAD sequencing10.1007/s10126-019-09910-0 ↗
67. Genome editing and its applications in genetic improvement in aquaculture10.1111/raq.12591 ↗
68. Fish genome editing breeding in china: Status, problems and prospects
69. Accurate identification of Larimichthys crocea genetic resources based on “NingXin III” chip and machine learning method
70. Diagnosis of cryptocaryoniasis in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) by real-time object detection based on YOLOv310.1016/j.aquaculture.2023.740418 ↗
71. Wang, Z.-C., Zhang, X., Su, Y.-X., Li, W.-Y., Yin, X.-L., Li, Z.-H., Ying, Y.-F., Wang, J.-C., Wu, J.-P., and Miao, F.-J. (2023). Abnormal Behavior Monitoring Method of Larimichthys crocea in Recirculating Aquaculture System Based on Computer Vision. Sensors, 23.10.3390/s23052835 ↗
72. Wei, X.-M. (2019). Intelligent Monitoring System of Fisher Aquaculture Based on Internet of Things. [Master’s Thesis, Tianjin University of Technology]. (In Chinese).
73. Chang, C.-C., Ubina, N.A., Cheng, S.-C., Lan, H.-Y., Chen, K.-C., and Huang, C.-C. (2022). A two-mode underwater smart sensor object for precision aquaculture based on AIoT technology. Sensors, 22.10.3390/s22197603 ↗
74. Design and Development of an Intelligent Monitoring System for Marine Aquaculture Environment Based on AIoT
75. Zhou, R.-J. (2011). Studies on the Forecasting of the Main Disease in Cage-Cultured Pseudosciaena crocea. [Master’s Thesis, Ningbo University]. (In Chinese).
76. Study on production strategies for marine aquaculture in China at different scales: A case study of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)10.1007/s10499-025-01854-8 ↗
77. Progress and prospects of the application of digital technology in aquaculture production
78. Phenotyping and phenomics in aquaculture breeding10.1016/j.aaf.2021.07.001 ↗
79. Zou, H. (2023). Intelligent Environmental Monitoring and Control Technologies in Digital Aquaculture. Sci. Fish Farming, 78–80. (In Chinese).
80. Innovations in Intelligent Technologies and Digital Management in Aquaculture
81. Liu, C., Ding, J., Gao, X.-M., Du, C., Hou, C.-C., Wu, X.-F., Shen, W.-L., and Zhu, J.-Q. (2021). Effects of acute low temperature stress on the hormones and gene expression of glucocorticoid receptor of large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea. J. Therm. Biol., 99.10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103018 ↗
82. Proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) during early development under hypoxia and acidification stress10.1016/j.aquaculture.2023.739982 ↗
83. Ruan, S.-J., Lu, Z., Huang, W.-Q., Zhang, Y., Shan, X.-J., Song, W., and Ji, C.-L. (2023). Renal metabolomic profiling of large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea acclimated in low salinity waters. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. Part D Genom. Proteom., 46.10.1016/j.cbd.2023.101083 ↗
84. Sensors, biosensors, and analytical technologies for aquaculture water quality10.34133/2020/8272705 ↗
85. Characteristics and risk assessment of cryptocaryoniasis in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) at different densities in industrialized aquaculture10.1016/j.aquaculture.2023.740501 ↗
86. Bibliometric Study On Fish Color Vision
87. Research on Intelligent Aquaculture Monitoring System Based on Internet of Things
88. Fan, L.-Z. (2015). Research on Real-Time Monitoring Technology for the Growth Process of Large Yellow Croaker Based on Computer Vision, NingboTech University. (In Chinese).
89. Design of artificial LED lighting in aquaculture workshop
90. Development Status and the Prospect of Deep SeaLarge-Scale Fence Culture in China
91. AHP-based evaluation index system on site selection for offshore cage cul-ture
92. Effect of pH on the structural properties and emulsification of myofibrillar proteins of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
93. Effect of salinity stress on energy metabolism and mitochondrial autophagy in large yellow croaker
94. Effects of stocking density, size, and external stress on growth and welfare of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822) in a commercial RAS10.3390/fishes8020074 ↗
95. Circadian patterns and photoperiodic modulation of clock gene expression and neuroendocrine hormone secretion in the marine teleost Larimichthys crocea10.1080/07420528.2024.2315215 ↗
96. Evaluación de diferentes fotoperiodos en el cultivo larvario del botete diana (Sphoeroides annulatus)
97. Feng, M.-S., Jiang, P.-X., Ke, Q.-Z., Liu, S.-Y., Chen, Y.-W., Du, Y.-Q., Luo, W.-J., Liu, Y.-X., Cai, Q.-X., and Zeng, Z.-H. (2024). A computer vision and RFID fusion-based method for measuring individual feed intake and its application for detecting individual differences in feed efficiency of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). Water Biol. Secur., 4.10.1016/j.watbs.2024.100332 ↗
98. Nutritional programming of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) larvae by dietary vegetable oil: Effects on growth performance, lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity10.1017/S0007114522001726 ↗
99. Wang, X.-M., Liu, H., Zhang, C.-L., Zhu, C., and Liu, H.-Y. (2025). Mechanisms of the Effect of Starvation Duration on the Regulation of Feeding Rhythm and Metabolic Physiology of Cultured Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea). J. Mar. Sci. Eng., 13.10.3390/jmse13010090 ↗
100. Zhang, S.-L., Zhao, J.-Y., Yao, M.-Y., Liu, X., Huo, Y.-K., Chen, Y.-Y., and Wang, H.-H. (2025). Research advances on fish feeding behavior recognition and intensity quantification methods in aquaculture. arXiv.