Résumé
Domestication is a cornerstone for diversifying aquaculture, and the feasibility of domesticating a wild fishpopulation can be assessed through its aquaculture potential (i.e., a measure based on key phenotypic traitsrelated to growth and reproduction in captivity while meeting stakeholders’ expectations). As domesticationmodifies these traits, aquaculture potential is expected to evolve over generations, influenced by breedingstrategies. However, little is known about how different management approaches may shape this evolutionduring early domestication. In this study, we tracked changes in aquaculture potential over four captive gen-erations of wild-caught zebrafish (Danio rerio), subjected to three breeding strategies: no selection (NS), single-function selective breeding program (S-SBP; growth-related traits), and multi-function selective breeding pro-gram (M-SBP: growth, reproduction, welfare). S-SBP and M-SBP employed within-family selection based on aphenotypic index. We developed a standardized Aquaculture Potential Score (APS) integrating growth (standardlength, height/length ratio, specific growth rate), reproductive (fecundity, sperm motility), and welfare traits(stress-induced cortisol, Fulton’s condition factor). Trait evolution was assessed using linear model predictionsand genetic trends based on estimated breeding values and heritability derived from pedigrees. Selectivebreeding (S-SBP and M-SBP) rapidly improved growth and morphometric traits, whereas NS lines showedminimal change. Reproductive and welfare traits, however, remained largely static due to both low heritability(h2 < 0.20) and environmental modulation. Consequently, APS remained stable across generations, with growthgains offset by stagnation in other domains. These findings underscore that (i) early selection may effectivelyimprove high-heritability traits; (ii) composite metrics like APS may obscure divergent trait responses.