Abstract
Somatic chromosomes of 4 species of mediterranean gobies are examined. Cells from gills, kidney and spleen were used after treatment with colchicine. The haploid DNA content in picograms and chromosomal number values were respectively: Gobius cobitis, 0.66, 2n=46; G. paganellus, 0.71, 2n=46; G. bucchichi, 0.46, 2n=40; G. niger, 0.68, 2n=50. The chromosome number of G. bucchichi and the DNA values of the four species are given for the first time. Only G. paganellus and G. niger showed sexual heteromorphic chromosomes. An evolutionary diagram for the four species as well as a sex determination mechanism XX/XY are proposed.
