Caracterização de Ag-RONs em H. chrysargyreum, H. flavolineatum e H. squamipinna

Abstract

Fish of the genus Haemulon represent a numerically dominant group in tropical reef ecosystems, playing a key role in reef trophic balance. They are also considered excellent models for studies on marine evolution and speciation due to their phylogenetic and biogeographic patterns. In this context, the present study aimed to characterize cytogenetic aspects of three species of this genus, Haemulon chrysargyreum, Haemulon flavolineatum, and Haemulon squamipinna, using Giemsa staining and silver nitrate (Ag-NOR) impregnation techniques. All analyzed species exhibited 2n = 48 chromosomes and two nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) per metaphase. The results support the high chromosomal conservatism within this group, suggesting a low rate of structural rearrangements throughout the genus' evolution. Additionally, this study highlights the importance of cytogenetics as a tool for understanding genomic evolution.Evolução cariotípica