Despite the recognized involvement of TTC39 family genes in metabolism related to pigment deposition, their evolutionary features and potential roles in body coloration in teleost fish remain largely unexplored. We identified three TTC39 genes in Plectropomus leopardus, conserved domains, and evolutionary relationships. The three genes (TTC39A, TTC39B, and TTC39C) were mapped to different chromosomes, yet they shared similar conserved protein domains. Phylogenetic and collinearity analyses indicated that TTC39 genes are evolutionarily conserved among Danio rerio. Gene structure and motif analyses further highlighted the homology and distributional diversity within the TTC39 family. Quantitative expression assays comparing red and black skin revealed significant upregulation of TTC39A and TTC39B in red skin, suggesting that these genes play a role in regulating skin color. These findings provide a foundation for future studies examining how TTC39 genes regulate red skin coloration in P. leopardus.
Triploid fish sometimes grow faster and larger than diploids, making them valuable in aquaculture. Their underdeveloped gonads redirect energy from reproduction to muscle growth. This study compared embryonic development and antioxidant responses between allotriploid and hybrid diploid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂) after cold shock, aiming to support large-scale allotriploid production. The diploid group had a 99.08% fertilization rate and 82.87% hatching rate, while the triploid group had lower rates (95.71% fertilization, 39.63% hatching, 11.52% deformity). Triploids developed later, with higher incidences of abnormalities and mortality, especially in the gastrula and neuro-embryo stages. Triploid larvae exhibited shortened tails, abnormal yolk sacs, and impaired swimming. Flow cytometry showed triploids that had 1.55 times more DNA and larger red blood cells. Triploids had lower midgut trypsin and lipase levels than diploids (p < 0.05) but similar glucose, liver malondialdehyde, and total cholesterol levels (p > 0.05). However, they had higher liver and spleen lactate dehydrogenase, catalase, and alkaline phosphatase, along with lower spleen malondialdehyde and liver superoxide dismutase (p < 0.05). These findings offer insights into reducing mortality in allotriploid grouper aquaculture, aiding large-scale production efforts.