Macroevolutionary consequences of karyotypic changes in the neotropical Serrasalmidae fishes (Ostariophysi, Characiformes) diversification

Abstract In the Neotropical region, one of the most diverse families of freshwater fishes is the monophyletic Serrasalmidae. Karyotypically, the family shows high diversity in chromosome numbers (2n = 54 to 64). However, little is discussed about whether the chromosomal changes are associated with cladogenetic events within this family. In the present study, we evaluated the role of chromosomal changes in the evolutionary diversification of Serrasalmidae. Our phylogenetic sampling included 36 species and revealed three main clades. The ancestral chromosome number reconstruction revealed the basic number 2n = 54 and a high frequency of ascending dysploid events in the most derived lineages. Our biogeographic reconstruction suggests an Amazonian origin of the family at 48 − 38 Mya, with independent colonization of other basins between 15 and 8 Mya. We did not find specific chromosomal changes or increased diversification rates correlated with the colonization of a new environment. On the other hand, an increase in the diversification rate was detected involving the genus Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus in the Miocene, correlated with the stasis of 2n = 60. Our data demonstrate that chromosomal rearrangements might have played an important evolutionary role in major cladogenetic events in Serrasalmidae, revealing them as a possible evolutionary driver in their diversification.