Karyological evidence for interspecific hybridization between Cichla monoculus and C. temensis (Perciformes, Cichlidae) in the Amazon

Abstract

Cichla monoculus, Cichla temensis (peacock bass or tucunaré), and its presumed hybrids, were cytogenetically analyzed. The fish were collected at three distinct sites in the central Amazon basin, namely in the Uatumã (C. monoculus, C. temensis and their natural hybrid), Jaú (C. temensis), and Solimões rivers (C. monoculus). The two species and the natural hybrid showed the same diploid number, 2n=48 acrocentric chromosomes. Single NORs were detected in the distal region of the long arm in all three species. However, in C. monoculus, the NOR was found on the second pair of the complement, in C. temensis, on the third pair and in the hybrid two NOR patterns were found, one on the second pair and the other on the third pair of chromosomes. The two species and the hybrid have their constitutive heterochromatin located in the pericentromeric region of all chromosomes and an interstitial C-band located on the largest chromosome pair. The great similarity in the chromosome number and morphology, chromosome size class differences, the NOR patterns and C-banding suggested chromosomal stasis during speciation and hybridization of Cichla.