Abstract: The discovery, identification and classification of the SRY related HMG-box (Sox) gene family were reviewed. Analysis of amino acid sequences among different subfamilies revealed that HMG-box of the same subfamily genes is highly conserved more than 80% similarity, while HMG-box of different subfamily genes is lower. The study of Sox gene family in aquatic animal gonadal development was summarized and the gonadal development in fish mainly regulated by members of subfamilies B and E including Sox9, Sox3 and Sox8 was found. Sox genes belonging to subfamily B and E were also reported to be involved in the regulation of physiological processes such as gonadal development in shrimp and crab. In addition, Sox9, Sox2 and SoxH genes might play vital roles irregulating gonadal development in mollusks. Studies on the Sox gene family in aquatic gonadal development have focused on gene cloning and expression profiling to date, but their mechanisms of action and molecular pathways needed to be studied more systematically and thoroughly in order to improve the molecular regulatory mechanisms of gonadal development in aquatic animals.

Key words: Sox gene family, gonadal development, fish, crustacean, physiological function