Jaw development and malformation in cultured striped trumpeter Latris lineata

Abstract

Intensive culture of striped trumpeter ( Latris lineata) has resulted in a high incidence of jaw malformation in juveniles. In this study, cranial and jaw development in striped trumpeter was described in cultured larvae reared in greenwater on rotifers and Artemia. Jaw malformation was only evident in post-flexion larvae greater than the standard length of 10 mm and was characterised by an open jaw in which the maxilla and premaxilla were aligned dorso-ventrally, and the anterior hyoid arch elements were in an abnormal ventral position. X-radiography of the heads of juvenile and adult cultured striped trumpeter revealed ventro-lateral distortion of the jaw elements in comparison with wild-caught fish. The possible role of physical environmental factors and nutrition during culture are discussed in relation to jaw malformation in this and other species.