Elevated expression of inhibin α gene in sterile allotriploid crucian carp

•The higher expression of inhibin α gene in allotriploids ovaries may relate to the sterility of allotriploids.•Co-IP assay verified that the Inhibin α-subunit and the Activin βA-/βB- subunits can form dimer in allotriploids.•The ovarian development of allotriploids is abnormal, which related with its sterility.