Genetic Correlations to Morphological Traits of Small Abalone Haliotis Diversicolor (Report‪)‬

ABSTRACT A total of 241 samples of small abalone (Haliotis diversicolor) from 8 full-sib families of market size were used in this experiment. Shell length ([X.sub.1]), shell width ([X.sub.2]), shell height ([X.sub.3]), apex height ([X.sub.4]), body weight ([Y.sub.1]), muscle weight ([Y.sub.2]), and shell weight ([Y.sub.3]) were measured, and the correlation coefficient matrix was calculated. The shell shape traits were used as independent variables, then body weight and muscle weight were used as dependent variable for path analysis. Path coefficients, determination coefficients, and correlation index were calculated. The results showed that correlation coefficients between each shell shape trait and body weight, muscle weight, and shell weight were all significant (P 0.01). For the 4 shell morphological traits, body weight ([Y.sub.1]) had the highest correlation coefficient with shell length ([X.sub.1]), and muscle weight ([Y.sub.2]) had the highest correlation coefficient with shell width ([X.sub.2]). The results of high correlation index would be useful for selecting important growthrelated traits in genetic breeding program of small abalone. KEY WORDS: abalone, Haliotis diversicolor, genetic correlation, morphological traits, path analysis