RADIOGRAPHIC AND GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF PHENOTYPICALLY DEFORMED TELEOST FROM GOMTI RIVER, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA
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 i...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
West Bengal Veterinary Alumni Association
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Exploratory Animal and Medical Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://animalmedicalresearch.org/Vol.14_Issue-2_December_2024/RADIOGRAPHIC%20AND%20GENETIC%20CHARACTERIZATION%20OF%20PHENOTYPICALLY.pdf |
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| Summary: | 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.
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| ISSN: | 2277-470X 2319-247X |