Karyotype variation in the albino rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum))

Abstract

A Robertsonian polymorphism resulting in diploid chromosome number ranging from 59 to 61 and constant chromosome arm number (fundamental number = 104) was observed in the albino rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)) from the yellow color strain. In one individual, 90 mitotic chromosomes and 156 chromosome arms were counted, indicating the fish as a triploid. Morphology of the chromosomes, DAPI staining, and the cytogenetic location of 5S rDNA sequences showed sex-related chromosomal heteromorphism in the specimens. Additionally, length polymorphism of the X chromosome was detected in the studied individuals and two morphs of the X chromosome were described, XL and XS, according to the size of its short arm (p). The XS was observed in the female as well as male albino rainbow trout; however, among females, no XSXS genotype was found. After primed in situ labeling with 5S rDNA primers, the p-arms of both types of the X chromosome showed similar hybridization signals. On the other hand, fluorescence in situ hybridization with telomeric PNA (peptide nucleic acid) probe exhibited weak hybridization spots on the p-arm of the XS chromosome compared with the distinct hybridization spots observed on the XL p-arm. This could reflect a different telomere length on the p-arm of the XS and XL chromosomes. Partial translocation and deletion of the X chromosome p-arm are considered to be responsible for the p-arm length difference between the two morphological variants of X chromosome.