International Journal of Aquaculture, 2025, Vol.15, No.3, 99-115 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 114 the evolution of the genus Snakehead from a whole genome scale. Using nuclear genome data obtained by high-throughput sequencing, phylogenetic trees containing tens of thousands of sites can be constructed to better solve complex situations such as rapid radiation and hybridization. For example, by comparing the whole genomes of Channa argus and Channa maculata, we can find differences in nuclear genes related to temperature adaptation, thereby supporting the speculation of mitochondrial analysis. At the same time, the whole genome haplotype network can accurately depict the historical dynamics of populations and provide a powerful tool for phylogenetic geography. On the other hand, incorporating ecological and environmental data into the evolutionary analysis framework can reveal the correspondence between genomic variation and ecological factors. For example, combining climate models and distribution data, the impact of glacial climate change on the spread of the Snakehead lineage can be deduced, and the location of climate refuges can be verified using population genetic data. For another example, physiological experiments on snakehead under different environmental conditions can be carried out to measure indicators such as oxygen consumption and cold resistance, and to conduct association analysis with the genotypes of different lineages to understand the adaptive significance of genetic variation from a functional perspective. Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology can also be used to detect the distribution and spread of snakehead species in the environment. Combined with phylogenetic information, it will help us understand the source and spread path of invasive species (such as black snakehead overseas) and formulate management strategies. Future research can also focus on the direct association between genes and traits. For example, through genome-wide association analysis (GWAS), mitochondrial or nuclear DNA markers related to growth, tolerance and other traits can be found, and hybrid offspring of different lineages can be cultivated for comparison to dissect species differences at the genetic level. This also has practical significance for genetic improvement in aquaculture. At present, China has successfully bred hybrids of Channa argus × Channa maculata for aquaculture. If we can identify which mitochondrial and nuclear gene combinations are beneficial to growth and stress resistance, it will guide the breeding of new varieties. Acknowledgments We are grateful to Dr. W. Zhou for his assistance with the serious reading and helpful discussions during the course of this work. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Alam M., Andriyono S., Sektiana S.P., Rahman M.M., and Kim H.W., 2019, The molecular characterization of complete mitochondrial genome of spotted snakehead fish Channa punctata (Bloch 1793), Mitochondrial DNA, 4(2): 547-548. https://doi.org/10.1080/23802359.2018.1553520 Fan W., Zhang L., Su J., Luo Y., Jiao X.L., Huang Z.P., Zhao H., Zhao Z.M., Duan Y.L., Li Q., Du J., Zhuo T., Su Q.S., Wu J., Zhou J., 2022, Genetic diversity of two color morphs of Northern snakehead (Channa argus) unveiled by the mitochondrial DNA D-loop region, Mitochondrial DNA, 7(3): 515-520. Fang C., Zeng F., Chen S., Li S., Yang Y., Lin W., Liu Y., Cheng Peng C., and Yang H., 2024, Gender impacted gut microbiota and growth performance in the blotched snakehead (Channa maculata), Microorganisms, 12(5): 871. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050871 Garg R.K., and Dohre S., 2024, Evaluation of molecular genetic diversity and DNA barcoding of Rita gogra from Narmada River revealed through mitochondrial COX1 gene sequencing, Asian Journal of Biological and Life Sciences, 12(3): 587. https://doi.org/10.5530/ajbls.2023.12.77 Hsu Htoo B., Laskar B., Lee S., Vu S.V., Phyo P.M.M., Thitsar P., Kim H.W., and Kundu S., 2025, Unified morphological and genetic analyses confirm the existence of the dwarf snakehead Channa shingon (Anabantiformes: Channidae) in Kachin State Myanmar, Fishes, 10(3): 100. https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10030100 Jin Y., Wo Y., Tong H., Song S., Zhang L., and Brown R.P., 2018, Evolutionary analysis of mitochondrially encoded proteins of toad-headed lizards Phrynocephalus along an altitudinal gradient, BMC Genomics, 19: 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-018-4569-1 Kamran M., Yaqub A., Malkani N., Anjum K.M., Awan M.N., and Paknejad H., 2020, Identification and phylogenetic analysis of Channa species from riverine system of pakistan using COI gene as a DNA barcoding marker, Journal of Bioresource Management, 7(2): 10. https://doi.org/10.35691/jbm.0202.0135
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