Chromosomal differentiations in the evolution of channid fishes—molecular genetic perspective

Abstract

Chromosome complements, Ag-NORs and C-bands of Channa orientalis, Channa striatus and Channa punctatus (Channidae: Perciformes) were examined. C. orientalis has 2n = 52 (6metacentrics + 20 submetacentrics + 8 subacrocentrics + 18 acrocentrics), one Ag-NOR per haploid set, 7–10 pairs of C-banded chromosomes and 26 synaptonemal complexes in pachytene nucleus. C. striatus has 2n = 40 (8 metacentrics + 10 submetacentrics + 22 acrocentrics), three Ag-NORs per haploid set, 5 pairs of C-banded chromosomes and 20 synaptonemal complexes in pachytene nucleus. C. punctatus has 2n = 32 (18 metacentrics + 14 submetacentrics), three Ag-NORs per haploid set, 6 to 12 pairs of C-banded chromosomes and 16 synaptonemal complexes in pachytene nucleus. Probable modes of chromosome differentiations and the probable effects of these differentiations on gene expression as cause of evolution of Channa species are discussed. © 2006 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.