NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES: A dataset of occurrence and abundance of freshwater fishes in the Neotropics

The Neotropical region hosts 4225 freshwater fish species, ranking first among the world's most diverse regions for freshwater fishes. Our NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES data set is the first to produce a large-scale Neotropical freshwater fish inventory, covering the entire Neotropical region from Mexico and the Caribbean in the north to the southern limits in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. We compiled 185,787 distribution records, with unique georeferenced coordinates, for the 4225 species, represented by occurrence and abundance data. The number of species for the most numerous orders are as follows: Characiformes (1289), Siluriformes (1384), Cichliformes (354), Cyprinodontiformes (245), and Gymnotiformes (135). The most recorded species was the characid Astyanax fasciatus (4696 records). We registered 116,802 distribution records for native species, compared to 1802 distribution records for nonnative species. The main aim of the NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES data set was to make these occurrence and abundance data accessible for international researchers to develop ecological and macroecological studies, from local to regional scales, with focal fish species, families, or orders. We anticipate that the NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES data set will be valuable for studies on a wide range of ecological processes, such as trophic cascades, fishery pressure, the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation, and the impacts of species invasion and climate change. There are no copyright restrictions on the data, and please cite this data paper when using the data in publications.

Chromosomal Diversity in Two Allopatric Populations of Farlowella hahni Meinken 1937 (Teleostei: Siluriformes): Cytogenetics and Cytochrome b Analyses

Farlowella is the second richest genus in Loricariinae, broadly distributed in freshwater streams and rivers of South America. In this article, we aimed to expand on the cytogenetic and molecular data available for two allopatric populations of Farlowella hahni. Both populations had diploid chromosome number 58, but with karyotype differences, indicative of chromosomal rearrangements. C-banding showed large heterochromatic blocks at telomeric regions in acrocentric chromosomes in both populations. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed a single 18S rDNA site in both populations and a single 5S rDNA site for individuals from lower Paraná River basin (native region) and multiple 5S rDNA sites for individuals from upper Paraná River basin (non-native region). Mitochondrial sequence analyses did not separate the two F. hahni populations. The cytogenetic and molecular data obtained are relevant in a preliminary study and suggested the existence of cryptic diversity and the hypothesis that at least two Farlowella lineages may coexist in the Paraná basin.

Chromosomal mapping of repetitive sequences in Hyphessobrycon eques (Characiformes, Characidae): a special case of the spreading of 5S rDNA clusters in a genome

Cytogenetic data showed a variation in diploid chromosome number in the genus Hyphessobrycon ranging from 2n = 46 to 52, and studies involving repetitive DNA sequences are scarce in representatives of this genus. The purpose of this paper was the chromosomal mapping of repetitive sequences (rDNA, histone genes, U snDNA and microsatellites) and investigation of the amplification of 5S rDNA clusters in the Hyphessobrycon eques genome. Two H. eques populations displayed 2n = 52 chromosomes, with the acrocentric pair No. 24 bearing Ag-NORs corresponding with CMA₃+/DAPI-. FISH with a 18S rDNA probe identified the NORs on the short (p) arms of the acrocentric pairs Nos. 22 and 24. The 5S rDNA probe visualized signals on almost all chromosomes in genomes of individuals from both populations (40 signals); FISH with H3 histone probe identified two chromosome pairs, with the pericentromeric location of signals; FISH with a U2 snDNA probe identified one chromosome pair bearing signals, on the interstitial chromosomal region. The mononucleotide (A), dinucleotide (CA) and tetranucleotide (GATA) repeats were observed on the centromeric/pericentromeric and/or terminal positions of all chromosomes, while the trinucleotide (CAG) repeat showed signals on few chromosomes. Molecular analysis of 5S rDNA and non-transcribed spacers (NTS) showed microsatellites (GATA and A repeats) and a fragment of retrotransposon (SINE3/5S-Sauria) inside the sequences. This study expanded the available cytogenetic data for H. eques and demonstrated to the dispersion of the 5S rDNA sequences on almost all chromosomes.

First chromosomal analysis of Gymnorhamphichthys britskii: the remarkable lowest diploid value within the family Rhamphichthyidae (Gymnotiformes)

ABSTRACT Gymnorhamphichthys britskii is a Neotropical electric fish of family Rhamphichthyidae described from the Paraná-Paraguay system. This study reports the first karyotypic description of G. britskii collected from the upper Paraná river basin, which presented 2n=38 chromosomes, karyotype composed of 14 metacentric, 8 submetacentric, 2 subtelocentric and 14 acrocentric chromosomes, and fundamental number as 62 for both sexes. Heteromorphic sex chromosomes were absent. A single pair of nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) was detected in the submetacentric chromosome pair number 9 by silver staining and confirmed by the 18S rDNA probe. The 5S rDNA was located in a single chromosome pair. Heterochromatic regions were clearly observed in the short arms of the NOR-bearing chromosome pair and in the telomeric positions of most acrocentric chromosomes. Besides the present data are valuable to help in understanding karyotypic evolution in Rhamphichthyidae, data from NORs confirmed the tendency of this family in presenting simple NORs sites, similar to the other Gymnotiformes clades. Yet, the presence of a large heterochromatic block in the NOR-bearing chromosome can be used as cytogenetic markers for G. britskii, and that centric fusions appear to be an important mechanism in the karyotype evolution and differentiation among Gymnotiformes species.

Molecular Clock as Insight to Estimate the Evolutionary History and Times of Divergence for 10 Nominal Astyanax Species (Characiformes, Characidae): An Evolutionary Approach in Species with 2n = 36, 46, 48, and 50 Chromosomes

Astyanax is a genus with a wide distribution ranging from the south United States to north of Patagonia (Argentina). The available cytogenetic data on Astyanax indicate a high karyotypic diversity, with diploid number of 36-52 chromosomes, presence of B chromosomes, heterochromatin polymorphism, and variations with respect to the number and localization of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) and 18S and 5S ribosomal DNA sites. In the present study, we estimated the evolutionary history and times of divergence for 10 nominal Astyanax species from the South and Central/North American (Cna) continents, which present distinct chromosomal characteristics, based on molecular clocks inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequence. The molecular clock results indicate the origin of three distinct clades (Humeral dark spot [Hds]; Diffuse humeral spot [Dhs]; Cna group) during the late Miocene about 11.2 million years ago (Mya). Thus, Astyanax mexicanus (Cna) represent a species that diverged a long time ago (∼8.6 Mya) from the Hds group, and Astyanax schubarti is the oldest species (∼6.5 Mya) among the Dhs species.

Conserved number of U2 snDNA sites in Piabina argentea, Piabarchus stramineus and two Bryconamericus species (Characidae, Stevardiinae)

ABSTRACT The chromosomal location of 5S rRNA and U2 snRNA genes of Piabina argentea, Piabarchus stramineus and two Bryconamericus species from two different Brazilian river basins were investigated, in order to contribute to the understanding of evolutionary characteristics of these repetitive DNAs in the subfamily Stevardiinae. The diploid chromosome number was 2n = 52 for Bryconamericus cf. iheringii, Bryconamericus turiuba, Piabarchus stramineus and Piabina argentea. The 5S rDNA clusters were located on one chromosome pair in P. stramineus and B. cf. iheringii, and on two pairs in B. turiuba and P. argentea. The U2 snDNA clusters were located on the one pair in all species. Two-color FISH experiments showed that the co-localization between 5S rDNA and U2 snDNA in P. stramineus can represent a marker for this species. Thus, the present study demonstrated that the number of U2 snDNA clusters observed for the four species was conserved, but particular characteristics can be found in the genome of each species.

Microsatellite Organization in the B Chromosome and A Chromosome Complement in Astyanax (Characiformes, Characidae) Species

The organization of microsatellites in B and sex chromosomes has been linked to chromosomal evolution in a number of animal groups. Here, the chromosomal organizations of (CA)15, (GA)15, (CG)15, (GACA)4, and (GATA)8 microsatellites were examined in several Astyanax species with different diploid numbers: Astyanax mexicanus (2n = 50 + 1 B chromosome), A. altiparanae (2n = 50), A. marionae (2n = 48), A. fasciatus (2n = 46), and A. schubarti (2n = 36). The (CA)15 and (GA)15 microsatellites were dispersed across the chromosomes of A. altiparanae and A. fasciatus but were also observed as clusters (CA and GA for A. altiparanae, and CA for A. fasciatus). In A. marionae and A. schubarti, the (CA)15 and (GA)15 microsatellites were dispersed but were also observed as clustered signals and coincident with heterochromatic regions. In all 4 of these species, the (CG)15 and (GACA)4 microsatellites were dispersed across chromosomes, and the (GATA)8 microsatellite was co-localized with 5S rDNA. In A. mexicanus, the (CA)15, (GA)15, (CG)15, (GATA)8, and (GACA)4 microsatellites were weakly detected and dispersed across the chromosomes of the A complement. On the B chromosome, signals for the different microsatellites were weak, strong, absent, weak, and absent, respectively. The distribution of microsatellites and the locational relationship between microsatellites and 5S rDNA are discussed, and a possible evolutionary pathway is proposed for microsatellites in Astyanax.

Chromosomal mapping of H3 histone and 5S rRNA genes in eight species of Astyanax (Pisces, Characiformes) with different diploid numbers: syntenic conservation of repetitive genes

The genus Astyanax is widely distributed from the southern United States to northern Patagonia, Argentina. While cytogenetic studies have been performed for this genus, little is known about the histone gene families. The aim of this study was to examine the chromosomal relationships among the different species of Astyanax. The chromosomal locations of the 5S rRNA and H3 histone genes were determined in A. abramis, A. asuncionensis, A. altiparanae, A. bockmanni, A. eigenmanniorum, A. mexicanus (all 2n = 50), A. fasciatus (2n = 46), and A. schubarti (2n = 36). All eight species exhibited H3 histone clusters on two chromosome pairs. In six species (A. abramis, A. asuncionensis, A. altiparanae, A. bockmanni, A. eigenmanniorum, and A. fasciatus), syntenic clusters of H3 histone and 5S rDNA were observed on metacentric (m) or submetacentric (sm) chromosomes. In seven species, clusters of 5S rDNA sequences were located on one or two chromosome pairs. In A. mexicanus, 5S rDNA clusters were located on four chromosome pairs. This study demonstrates that H3 histone clusters are conserved on two chromosome pairs in the genus Astyanax, and specific chromosomal features may contribute to the genomic organization of the H3 histone and 5S rRNA genes.

First description of B chromosomes in the Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes, Characidae) genus: a hypothesis for the extra element of Hyphessobryconeques Steindachner, 1882

The Hyphessobrycon are allocated in the incertae sedis group of the Characidae family, one of the genera with more species of the group. The chromosomes of some species of Hyphessobrycon are known, and the diploid number most common for genus is 2n = 50 chromosomes. The aims of this study were to examine the karyotype macrostructure in the Hyphessobryconeques Steindachner, 1882, and show a new origin hypothesis for B chromosomes. The diploid number observed for Hyphessobryconeques was 2n = 52 chromosomes, and a karyotype formulae of 12m + 18sm + 8st + 14a, with FN (fundamental number) = 90 for both sexes. Only two females showed one B chromosome. The heterochromatin was observed mainly on centromeric regions, and in the long arm of the B chromosome. In this paper, the relationship of the B chromosome of Hyphessobryconeques with an occasional chromosome rearrangement was discussed.

Chromosomal microstructure diversity in three Astyanax (Characiformes, Characidae) species: comparative analysis of the chromosomal locations of the 18S and 5S rDNAs

The species of genus Astyanax is widely distributed in freshwater neotropical zones. Astyanax is considered to be taxonomically confused, similar to other genera placed incertae sedis in Characidae. The cytogenetics of this genus is well characterized; species vary widely in diploid number, from 2n=36 chromosomes in Astyanax schubarti to 2n=50 for most species studied. The size, number, and position of different cytological markers vary among species and populations of Astyanax. We analyzed the karyotypes of individuals from three Astyanax species (Astyanax abramis, Astyanax altiparanae, and Astyanax eigenmanniorum) from populations not previously analyzed. We describe variations in several cytogenetic markers and the karyotypic relationships between them, specifically focusing on the characteristics of the conserved and divergent locations of the ribosomal genes. Our data are useful for establishing relationships between species and for investigating the karyotype evolution within the genus.

Cytogenetic analysis in three Bryconamericus species (Characiformes, Characidae): first description of the 5S rDNA-bearing chromosome pairs in the genus

Background

Nowadays, the genus Bryconamericus is placed in subfamily Stevardiinae within of Characidae, but not shows consistent evidence of monophyletism. The purpose of this work was to study the chromosomes of three species of Bryconamericus, aiming to add cytogenetic knowledge and contribute to the understanding of the chromosomal evolution of this genus.

Results

The chromosomes of three species of Bryconamericus were analyzed using cytogenetic techniques. The karyotype of Bryconamericus stramineus contained 6 metacentric (m) + 10 submetacentric (sm) + 16 subtelocentric (st) + 20 acrocentric (a), the fundamental number (FN) of 84, one silver impregnated (Ag-NOR) pair, one pair bearing the 18S ribosomal DNA sites, another pair bearing the 5S rDNA sites, and a few positive C-bands. Bryconamericus turiuba had a karyotype containing 8 m + 10sm + 14st + 20a (FN = 84), one chromosome pair Ag-NOR, two pairs bearing the 18S rDNA sites, two pairs bearing the 5S rDNA sites, and a few C-band regions. Bryconamericus cf. iheringii had a karyotype containing 10 m + 14sm + 18st + 10a (FN = 94), including one pair with a secondary constriction Ag-NOR positive. In this karyotype the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) showed the 18S and 5S rDNA probe in adjacent position.

Conclusions

The results obtained in this work showed different characteristics in the organization of two multigene families, indicating that distinct evolutionary forces acting on the diversity of rDNA sequences in the genome of three Bryconamericus species.