Record of an Abnormal Schizothoraichthys esocinus (Heckel) from the Himalayan River Chenab Draining Jammu Region of the J&amp;K State, India

Dutta Sps

doi:10.4172/2155-9546.1000402

Abstract

Two deformed Specimens of Schizothoraichthys esocinus were observed among the fish collections from the river Chenab and is the first record for any Himalayan stream. One specimen was recognised by its flat caudal fin base and widely spaced caudal fin lobes. The other showed the post dorsal truncated body with a trough, ventral anal bulge and dome in the caudal peduncle region. X-ray analysis revealed hook shaped vertebral column and aberrations in the various vertebrae and caudal fin bones. Possible cause of aberrations in torrential non polluted river is mechanical injury induced by currents during embryonic development.

Highlights

An important food fish Schizothoraichthys esocinus is widely distributed in cold water streams in the Himalayas
In the river Chenab, an important Himalayan river draining Jammu region, this fish is widely distributed from Doda to Pargwal wetland
From the X-ray analysis it is clear that post dorsal truncated body with a dorsal trough, ventral anal bulge and dorsal dome in caudal peduncle is due to hook shaped structure of the vertebral column and aberrations in vertebrae viz. reduced vertebral thickness and intervertebral spaces

Summary

Introduction

An important food fish Schizothoraichthys esocinus is widely distributed in cold water streams in the Himalayas. Figure 6a: X-ray photograph of Schizothoraichthys esocinus (Heckel) showing post dorsal truncated body, a trough, a dome and anal bulge in the caudal peduncle region. Vertebral column in normal fish following the body shape is streamlined and has normal vertebral thickness, intervertebral spaces, ribs, neural and haemal spines and caudal bones. Vertebral column in this aberrant fish is normal upto 27th vertebrae. From the X-ray analysis it is clear that post dorsal truncated body with a dorsal trough, ventral anal bulge and dorsal dome in caudal peduncle is due to hook shaped structure of the vertebral column (scoliosis) and aberrations in vertebrae viz. From the X-ray analysis it is clear that post dorsal truncated body with a dorsal trough, ventral anal bulge and dorsal dome in caudal peduncle is due to hook shaped structure of the vertebral column (scoliosis) and aberrations in vertebrae viz. reduced vertebral thickness and intervertebral spaces

Discussion

Conclusion