Evidence for a System of Supernumerary Chromosomes in Prochilodus Scrofa Steindachner, 1881 (Pisces, Prochilodontidae)

SUMMARY

Both males and females of the fish Prochilodus scrofa have a diploid number of 2n = 54. However, with the exception of a single female, all 59 specimens (25 ♀, 34 ♂) studied had 1–5 minutes accessory chromosomes. The unstable behavior of these chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis as well as their heterochromatic nature, as detected by C-banding, are characteristics that emphasize their supernumerary nature. This is the first report of chromosomes of this type in the Osteichthyes (Pisces).