Interfamilial hybridization between American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) and Acipenserid (sturgeon) species produces viable hybrid offspring. However, the potential fertility of these hybrids is a critical issue for understanding sex determination mechanisms within Acipenseriformes, as well as for aquaculture and species conservation programs. Investigating the fertility of such hybrids requires an integrative focus on the genetic basis of sex determination and gonadal differentiation. Based on current knowledge of sturgeon sex determination systems, the fundamental genetic framework for gonadal development is assumed to be at least partially retained in Polyodon–Acipenserid hybrids. Nevertheless, the meiotic processes governing gametogenesis may be affected by chromosomal or regulatory incompatibilities. To date, the available evidence does not indicate complete disruption of meiosis. However, further cytogenetic and molecular analyses are needed to clarify the extent of functional gametogenesis and the reproductive potential of these hybrids.
Káldy et al. (Fri,) studied this question.