An experimental carp × tench hybrid: Karyological analysis and SEM morphological observations

Abstract

An experimental hybrid Cyprinus carpio ♂ × Tinca tinca ♀ (Pisces, Cyprinidae) is described. These species are of considerable biological and evolutionary interest, for one, the common carp, with 104 chromosomes, is considered to be of polyploid origin with respect to the other, the tench, with 48 chromosomes, and both are of great importance in aquaculture.

Although they hatched before the carp × carp controls, the hybrids began to display retarded and anomalous development and behaviour compared with the controls.

Karyological analysis shows that amphimixis of the chromosome complements of the parent species actually occurs. SEM analysis reveals a high degree of malformation in the cephalic region, particularly of the mouth.