PHYLOGENETIC-RELATIONSHIPS OF THE SPARIDAE FAMILY (PISCES, PERCIFORMES) INFERRED FROM SATELLITE-DNA

The phylogenetic relationships within the taxonomically controversial Sparidae family of fish are inferred using two satellite-DNA families as phylogenetic markers. The cross-hybridization, strength and restric tion patterns of hybridizing the monomer units of these two satellite- DNA families to the DNAs of ten sparid species, served as an index of taxonomic divergence. The results indicate the existence of two separa te lineages from a common ancestor, each one clearly defined by either satellite-DNA family. The results also indicate a closeness between S parus and Diplodus, and a divergence between Sparus and Pagrus. These data agree with the currently accepted opinion considering Sparus a mo notypic genus which should include only Sparus aurata, and recommendin g the separation of the genus Pagrus to include the common seabream Pa grus pagrus and the red-banded seabream Pagrus auriga, among others.