Genome Size and Karyotype of the Spotted Wolffish (Anarhichas minor)

Abstract

In this study, we report the genome size and karyotype of the spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor), a species classified at risk in Canada and not commonly the target of directed commercial fisheries elsewhere but increasingly significant for aquaculture. Despite the scientific and commercial interest, there is a lack of cytogenetic and genomic information about this species. Flow cytometric analysis determined an average haploid nuclear DNA content of 0.68 pg (665 Mb), with no significant differences observed between male and female fish. Karyotyping revealed a diploid number (2n) of 48 chromosomes, predominantly consisting of two-armed chromosomes, with no evidence of sex-linked chromosomal heteromorphism. These findings provide critical baseline data for interpreting and validating genome sequencing efforts and lay the groundwork for further cytogenetic studies of A. minor.