We investigated fstl (follistatin-like) 1a and -b in grass carp.
Fstl1a and -b share 83% sequence identity but low similarity with Fst1 and -b.
The fstl1s were widely, differentially expressed in adult tissues and embryos.
Treatment with hGH, starvation and refeeding altered fstl1a and -b expression.
The two fstl1s may play important, diverse roles in grass carp development.