Research Article

Chromosomes of Gymnothorax funebris and the karyotypical differentiation within Gymnothorax (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae)

Published: February 21, 2014
Genet. Mol. Res. 13 (1) : 1127-1132 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/2014.February.21.1
Cite this Article:
M.A.O. Alves, J.E. Monteiro-Junior, C.A.M. Oliveira, R.M. Silveira, I.R. Costa, R. Maggioni (2014). Chromosomes of Gymnothorax funebris and the karyotypical differentiation within Gymnothorax (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae). Genet. Mol. Res. 13(1): 1127-1132. https://doi.org/10.4238/2014.February.21.1
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Abstract

Cytogenetic studies in Gymnothorax funebris revealed a diploid chromosome number 2n = 42 (6 metacentrics, 4 submetacentrics, and 32 acrocentrics, FN = 52). The results obtained are novel and similar to those previously described for species belonging to Muraenidae family. The conventional karyotype is also novel and divergent from other species of the genus Gymnothorax, where a higher proportion of metacentric chromosomes predominate. The data are reported and discussed considering the cytotaxonomy of the genus. These results strongly support the current view that chromosomal alterations such as centric fusion and Robertsonian’s translocations have an important role in the evolution of this group.

Cytogenetic studies in Gymnothorax funebris revealed a diploid chromosome number 2n = 42 (6 metacentrics, 4 submetacentrics, and 32 acrocentrics, FN = 52). The results obtained are novel and similar to those previously described for species belonging to Muraenidae family. The conventional karyotype is also novel and divergent from other species of the genus Gymnothorax, where a higher proportion of metacentric chromosomes predominate. The data are reported and discussed considering the cytotaxonomy of the genus. These results strongly support the current view that chromosomal alterations such as centric fusion and Robertsonian’s translocations have an important role in the evolution of this group.