Characterization and description of a multiple sex chromosome system in Potamotrygon motoro (Chondrichthyes, Myliobatiformes) from the Paraná River, Argentina

Abstract

The Potamotrygonidae family represents the only freshwater group of specialized elasmobranchs and is composed of 4 genera: Plesiotrygon, Paratrygon, Potamotrygon, and Heliotrygon. Individuals of Potamotrygon motoro were collected from the Paraná River at Ituzaingó (Province of Corrientes) in Argentina. Mitotic preparations were obtained using direct techniques and lymphocyte cultures. Chromosomes were studied with conventional Giemsa, C-band and nucleolus organizer region stainings. The diploid number and karyotype formulae were 2n = 66 with 33 homomorphic pairs (14M + 16SM + 22ST + 14A) in females and 2n = 65 with 31 homomorphic pairs plus 3 heteromorphic chromosomes (13M + 15SM + 23ST + 14A) in males. Heterochromatin was distributed at the pericentromeric regions of almost all chromosomes and in the telomeric and interstitial positions of some chromosomes. nucleolus organizer regions were multiple and located at telomeric regions. Because of the clear karyotype differences between the 2 sexes and the presence of 3 unpaired chromosomes in males, it is possible to suggest the occurrence of a multiple sex chromosome system, with male heterogamety (X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y). Further cytogenetic studies are required to develop a hypothesis about the origin of the multiple sex chromosome system in P. motoro.