Genetic screens for mutations affecting adult traits and parental-effect genes

Forward genetic analysis in the zebrafish has largely until now been restricted to the developmental period from the time of zygotic genome activation through the end of embryogenesis. However, the use of the zebrafish as a model system for the analysis of larval, juvenile and adult traits, including fertility and maternal and paternal effects, is gaining momentum. Here, we describe two different approaches, an F3-extended family and a gynogenesis-based approach, that allow genetic screening for and recovery of mutations affecting post-embryonic stages, including adult traits, fertility, and parental effects. For each approach, we also describe strategies to maintain and map the identified mutations.