Abstract：The new variety of ayu (Plecoglossus altivlis) named “Zhemin No.1” was selectively bred from wild fish population which was captured in Fuxi stream, Ninghai, Zhejiāng province in 2002. A population selection process was performed by using growth traits and shape as the main selection index. After successive seven-generation of mass selection, a novel breeding line of ayu termed "Zhemin No.1" was successfully established. Compared with common ayu cultured under the same conditions, the body length and weight of Zhemin No.1 at 9-month old were 11.36 % and 25.92% higher, respectively. During 2012~2014, the pilot-scale culture of Zhemin No.1 reached 45 000 m2 freshwater. The survival rate of Zhemin No.1 at 9 month old was 30.00% higher than common ayu. The deformity rate of Zhemin No.1 at 9 month old was close to zero. The average revenue increased by 38.98%. The breeding process, germplasm characteristics, qualified traits and pilot test of Zhemin No.1 were detailedly described in this paper. This article will be beneficial for the breeding of other aquatic species and the expanding aquaculture of Zhemin No.1.
