C‐ and G‐banded karyotypes of three delphinids: Stenella clymene, Lagenorhynchus albirostris and Phocoena phocoena

Abstract

The karyotypes of three delphinids, Stenella clymene, Lagenorhynchus albirostris and Phocoena phocoena were studied. The karyotypes were strikingly similar with a chromosome number of 2n=44. The three karyotypes conformed to the 2n=44 karyotypes characterizing most cetaceans. C‐bands were mostly found in interstitial and terminal chromosome positions. Some differences were established between the three species with respect to C‐band distribution. The G‐banded karyotypes showed great similarities. The G‐band differences coincided mainly with differences in C‐band patterns. © 1980 Mendelian Society of Lund