Radiographic and genetic characterization of phenotypically deformed Teleost from Gomti river, Uttar Pradesh, India
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: INTRODUCTIONMalformations of the vertebral column occur in several teleost groups [1] as well as in other taxa.In fish, various morphological deformities can occur, including dysplasia in the opercular bones, deformities in the maxillary and mandibular regions, fin and eye deformities, bone and skin neoplasms, and spinal deformities [2].Spinal deformities in both farmed and wild fish populations have been reported [3].These deformities can be caused by different factors, including bacterial and parasitic infections, deficiencies in vitamin C and phosphorus, elevated temperatures during the ABSTRACT: In the present study, we recorded two morphologically abnormal wild fishes from the Gomti river, Uttar Pradesh.Deformed Puntius chola (Hamilton, 1822) and Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794) were observed in an experimental catch of the Gomti river at Lucknow and collected along with normal individuals of the same species for further investigation.Externally, the caudal region of fishes was completely deformed and fused.Abnormal and normal specimens of both species were identified using integrative taxonomy (traditional taxonomy and DNA barcoding).We created molecular signatures of each species using a partial sequence of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI).Radiography is a non-lethal and non-invasive approach that can provide useful information about skeleton abnormalities in fishes.The radiographic images revealed different vertebral deformations like lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis, fusion, and compression compared to the normal vertebrae.The total vertebrae were 30-34 and 52-58 in P. chola and H. fossilis respectively.Different environmental and genetic factors could influence the development of these abnormal short-bodied phenotypes in the fish population of this river.High anthropogenic stresses, deficiency of vitamin C and phosphorous, and poor quality of water and habitat could be associated with skeletal anomalies in collected individuals.However, stress throughout the embryonic and early life stages may potentially be the cause of these spinal abnormalities.This type of abnormality is very rare in natural ecosystems.This is the first report of such a monstrosity in the ichthyofauna of the Gomti river, Uttar Pradesh.Our research findings contribute to understanding the health and environmental conditions of the Gomti river and may have implications for conservation efforts and management.
Authors: Ashish Sahu, Priyanka ., Mahender Singh, Santosh Kumar, Uttam Kumar Sarkar
Language: English
Subfield: Aquatic Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4405946930