Evolutionary relationships of the Erythrinidae family (Teleostei, Characiformes). IV: comparative cytogenetics in Hepsetidae

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, where some phylogenetic proposals are discordant concerning the sister groups associated to this family. The present proposal investigation is part of a broader project on the evolutionary relationships of the Neotropical fishes and focuses on the comparative cytogenetics among Erythrinidae and Hepsetidae specimens, taking into account the analysis of their relationships. Markers derived from conventional cytogenetics, chromosomal banding, mapping of repetitive DNAs, comparative genomic hybridization and whole chromosome painting will be used as important tools for this proposal. 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 With regard to Hepsetidae, chromosomal investigations are still inexistent and the data to be obtained will be unpublished ones.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. (AU)