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A non-invasive method to genotype cephalopod sex by quantitative PCR
Frederick A Rubino1,2,3, Gabrielle C Coffing3,4, Connor J Gibbons1
1The Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|November 24, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a simple, non-invasive genetic test for sexing young cephalopods. This method uses a skin swab and PCR to accurately determine male or female in cuttlefish and other species, aiding conservation and research.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Genetics
- Cephalopod Research
Background:
- Coleoid cephalopods are vital for fisheries and research but difficult to culture.
- Early sex determination is crucial for efficient population management in laboratory and wild settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a non-invasive method for early sex determination in cephalopods.
- To enable efficient and sustainable management of cephalopod populations.
Main Methods:
- Developed a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay using skin swabs.
- Detected a two-fold dosage difference in sex chromosomes (ZZ/Z0) for sex determination.
- Designed and validated primers for multiple cephalopod species.
Main Results:
- Successfully genotyped sex in dwarf cuttlefish as early as three hours post-hatching.
- Validated the method across diverse cephalopod species, including those with and without assembled genomes.
- Demonstrated accurate sex determination from hatchlings to adults.
Conclusions:
- This sex-genotyping method is a versatile tool for cephalopod research and aquaculture.
- It offers accurate, non-invasive sex determination independent of genome quality.
- Facilitates sustainable management and research of economically important cephalopod species.
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