Genomic Organization of the Repetitive Sequences in (Perciformes, Centropomidae): Implications for Hybridization and Aquaculture Programs.

The family Centropomidae includes a number of fish species of high commercial value. One of these species, , is a target of artisanal, industrial, and sports fisheries and has also considerable potential for captive breeding, which has led to its inclusion in several aquaculture programs. While the biology and ecology of are relatively well documented, few karyological data are available on this species, and they are still scarce for other centropomids. The few chromosomal data available on this family indicate a conserved karyotype  = 48, but it is unclear whether the chromosome microstructure is also conserved. In this study, new cytogenetic data are presented on from the Amazon coastal zone, including C-banding, Ag-NOR, hybridization with repetitive DNA probes (5S and 18S ribosomal genes), and telomeric (TTAGGG)n sequences. The diploid number of the species was 2n = 48, with heterochromatic blocks in the centromeric and pericentromeric regions, as well as distal signals; the nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) were associated with the heterochromatic region. The 18S and 5S recombinant DNA (rDNA) clusters were located in the distal region of chromosome pairs 1 and 11, respectively. The similarities of the karyotype macrostructure found among the centropomid species reinforce their exceptional chromosomal stability. However, the presence of heterochromatic blocks and location of NORs suggest the occurrence of structural rearrangements, which indicates that evolutionary dynamics at the microstructural level in this group may be relatively complex and should be evaluated carefully in any study that targets the production of hybrids for aquaculture.