C- and G-banded karyotypes of three delphinids: Stenella clymene, Lagenorhynchus albirostris and Phocoena phocoena

Abstract

The karyotypes of three delphinids, Stenella clymene, Lagenorhynchus albirostris and Phocoena phocoena were studied. The karyotypes were strikingly similar with a chromosome number of 2n=44. The three karyotypes conformed to the 2n=44 karyotypes characterizing most cetaceans. C-bands were mostly found in interstitial and terminal chromosome positions. Some differences were established between the three species with respect to C-band distribution. The G-banded karyotypes showed great similarities. The G-band differences coincided mainly with differences in C-band patterns.