Comparative cytogenetic and morphological analysis of Astyanax scabripinnis paranae (Pisces, Characidae, Tetragonopterinae)

Cytogenetic and morphological studies were carried out on nine local populations of Astyanax scabripinnis paranae. All populations exhibited 2n = 50 chromosomes as well as conspicuous differences involving karyotype morphology, number and position of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) and amount and/or locations of constitutive heterochromatin blocks. A quantitative study of the cytogenetic data showed that eight populations possessed different karyotypes. Morphological analyses based on nine measurements and two meristic parameters were effective in establishing clear identification of five populations. Comparative analysis of cytogenetic and morphological traits suggests that chromosomal changes have occurred at a more rapid rate than morphological differentiation. Despite the close morphological similarity found among some populations, chromosomal differentiation was identified in all of them, even in those presenting only small morphological differences.