Evolutionary relationships of the Erythrinidae family (Teleostei, Characiformes) I. comparative cytogenetics in Lebiasinidae, with focus in the genus Pyrrhulina

Abstract

Fishes exhibit the greatest biodiversity among vertebrates. The freshwater Neotropical fauna is extremely rich, with 71 families comprising 4,478 described species, making this a very suitable group for evolutionary studies. However, the phylogenetic relationships of many fish groups are still obscure. Such is the case of the Erythrinidae family, where some phylogenetic proposals are discordant concerning the sister groups associated to this family. The present proposal is part of a broader project on the evolutionary relationships of the Erythrinidae family and focuses on the comparative cytogenetics among Lebiasinidae and Erythrinidae specimens, taking into account their probable relations. Markers derived from conventional cytogenetics, chromosomal banding, mapping of repetitive DNAs and whole chromosome painting will be used as important tools for the proposed studies. With regard to Erythrinidae, a major collection of chromosomal data is already available as the result of our previous studies with representatives of this family during several years. With regard to Lebiasinidae, chromosomal investigations are still insipient, and the data to be obtained will be mostly unpublished ones. Therefore, in addition to complement and solidify the scientific background of the candidate, this project will provide important data to fulfill some gaps that hinder the advancement of the evolutionary knowledge of our fish fauna.