First records of a new color pattern in the Goldblotch Grouper, Epinephelus costae (Steindachner, 1878) (Actinopterygii: Serranidae) and first record of leucism in the European conger, Conger conger (Linnaeus, 1758) (Actinopterygii: Congridae)

Abstract

In many fish, color patterns are striking features and can play an important role in both natural and sexual selection. Furthermore, details of color patterns are in some cases valid tools for species identification. However, fish can also show some genetic abnormalities, such as albinism and leucism. In this research, we report for the first time a new color pattern for Epinephelus costae (Steindachner, 1878), for which it is known an ontogenetic shift in color pattern, and the first case of leucism in Conger conger (Linnaeus, 1758).