Cytogenetic analysis on Pterophyllum scalare (Perciformes, Cichlidae) from Jari River, Para ́ state

Abstract — Cytogenetic studies were carried out on eighteen wild specimens of Pterophyllum scalare from Jari River, in Para ́ state, and the results were compared to literature. Mitotic chromosomes were obtained from kidney cells and the analysis was done using: C-banding, Ag-NOR staining, Chromomycin A3/DAPI sequential staining and fluoro-chrome in situ hybridization with human telomere probes. All individuals showed a chromosome number of 2n = 48 (12 M/SM and 36 ST/A) and FN = 60. No differences were detected between male and female karyotypes, indicating the absence of morphologically differentiated mitotic sexual chromosomes. Constitutive heterochromatin blocks were located at the centromeric and pericentromeric regions of all chromosomes. The largest submetacentric pair showed a differential staining on their short arms. Only two NOR bearing chromosomes were detected, and the stainings were observed at the distal region of the short arm of the largest chromosome pair, matching the secondary constriction. Chromomycin A3 stained the NOR and the centromeres of some chromosomes. DAPI-bands were ob-served at the centromeric regions of all chromosomes. Telomere sequences hybridised only at the terminal regions. Key words: chromosome banding, DAPI, Fish, ornamental fish