genes encode a large family of transcription factors involved in sex determinationand a conservative DNA binding motif. In the present studyby using degenerate PCR and Rapid Amplification of cDNA End(RACE) methods. The full）and an open reading frame(ORF) of 1 110 bp which encodes a peptide of 369 amino acids. The putative amino acid sequence shares the DM domain which is common to DMRT family. Phylogenetic tree revealed that the DMRT was clustered with DMRT4, and was most closely related to DMRT4. Therefore, it was namedCf-dmrt4-likemRNA was detected by RT-PCR in the developmental stages from fertilized eggs to creeping larva, during which high level expression occured at cleavage embryo stage. The gene was also expressed in gill and testis of adult male, as well as in mantle, gill, kidney and adductor muscle of adult female, but not in ovary. The result of qRT-PCR during developmental cycles of both sexual gonads showed high expression of gene might be involved in early development of , and takes on different functions in tissues and gonad development of both male and female.