Observations on anomalous conditions in some flatfishes (Pisces: Pleuronectiformes), with a new record of partial albinism
Gartner Jr., J.V. (1986). Observations on anomalous conditions in some flatfishes (Pisces: Pleuronectiformes), with a new record of partial albinism. Environ. Biol. Fish. 17(2): 141-152
In: Environmental Biology of Fishes. Junk: The Hague. ISSN 0378-1909; e-ISSN 1573-5133, more
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| Keywords |
Abnormalities
Abnormalities > Genetic abnormalities
Albinism
Biology > Organism morphology > Animal morphology
Gymnachirus melas Nichols, 1916 [WoRMS]; Paralichthys albigutta Jordan & Gilbert, 1882 [WoRMS]; Paralichthys lethostigma Jordan & Gilbert, 1884 [WoRMS]; Pleuronectiformes [WoRMS]; Trinectes maculatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Abstract |
Abnormalities in five specimens of pleuronectiform flatfishes (one specimen from the family Soleidae, four from Bothidae) are described. The account of naturally occurring anomalies in the naked sole, Gymnachirus melas, is the first from the western Atlantic for a soleid other than Trinectes maculatus . Anomalies in G. Melas include partial albinism and osteological deformities. A second account of pigment and morphological aberrations is provided for Paralichthys albigutta (total ambicoloration, incomplete eye rotation and hooked dorsal fin). Partial ambicoloration is reported for three specimens of Paralichthys lethostigma. Possible causes of abnormalities in flatfishes are reviewed. It is postulated that minimum depth of occurrence of species may be linked to frequency of abnormalities. Anomalies appear to be most frequent in species and families of flatfishes which inhabit shallow coastal or estuarine (< 5m depth) waters. |
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