Abstract
The chromosomes of the Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar (2n=58) are, on average, larger than those of the trout, S. trutta (2n=80). If the difference in chromosome size represents a permanent change in chromosome structure as between the two species the expectation is that the size difference between salmon and trout chromosomes will be maintained in the hybrid. If, alternatively, the size difference between salmon and trout chromosomes is genotypically determined the difference will not be maintained in nuclei of hybrid genotype. Measurements of a specific chromosome, S, of the salmon complement and of another, S 1, of the trout complement in nuclei of parent species and of the hybrid show that the difference in size is maintained in hybrid nuclei. It is concluded therefore that the size difference between salmon and trout chromosomes is due to structural change rather than to genotypic control.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Boothroyd, C. R.: Chromosome studies on three Canadian populations of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. Canad. J. Genet. Cytol. 1, 161–172 (1959).
Rees, H.: The question of polyploidy in the Salmonidae. Chromosoma (Berl.) 15, 275–279 (1964); - The chromosomes of Salmo salar. Chromosoma (Berl.) 21, 472–474 (1967).
Svärdson, G.: Chromosome studies on Salmonidae. Medd. statens undersökn.-o. försöksanst f. söttvattensfisket 23, 1–151 (1945).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pegington, C.J., Rees, H. Chromosome size in salmon and trout. Chromosoma 21, 475–477 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00336955
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00336955