Abstract
The chromosomal distribution of C-band-positive heterochromatin was investigated in eight species of Pomacentridae belonging to the four genera Abudefduf, Plectroglyphidodon, Neoglyphidodon, and Chrysiptera. For all species studied, centromeric C-bands were observed in most chromosomes; however, clear interstitial and/or telomeric C-bands were found in only three species. The pattern of C-band distribution varied from simple to complex among the species. The simple pattern, with only small-sized centromeric C-bands located in most chromosomes, was observed in three species. The other five species showed larger and variably-sized centromeric C-bands. N. nigroris had the most complex pattern, with C-bands located in many terminal and interstitial regions in addition to most centromeric regions, and their band sizes were variable. The present results show that the chromosomes of pomacentrid fishes have often diversified, with quantitative and positional changes in C-band positive heterochromatin.
