Abstract
A cytogenetic analysis by several staining techniques was carried out on Oedalechilus labeo specimens from the west coast of Italy, in order to extend the karyological knowledge on Mediterranean mullets. The karyotype of the species is composed of 46 acrocentric and 2 subtelocentric chromosomes. Constitutive heterochromatin was found to be restricted to the centromeres. Fluorochrome staining revealed a uniform base composition along the chromosome arms. Nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) are located on the short arms of chromosome pair 9 and can be either homomorphic or quite heteromorphic in size. In some specimens chromomycin A3-staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization with 18S rDNA revealed a third additional and inactive NOR on the short arms of a medium-sized chromosome. This is the first report of NOR variability in Mugilidae, a family generally characterized by a quite conservative karyotype. Heterochromatin composition and NOR location differentiate O. labeo from a cytotaxonomical point of view from the Liza species studied, Liza being considered the genus from which the genus Oedalechilus derived.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 10 April 1999 / Accepted: 21 October 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rossi, A., Gornung, E., Crosetti, D. et al. Cytogenetic analysis of Oedalechilus labeo (Pisces: Mugilidae), with a report of NOR variability. Marine Biology 136, 159–162 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002270050018
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002270050018