Severe Case of Lordosis-Kyphosis-Ankylosis in Mullus barbatus Linnaeus, 1758 (Teleostei: Mullidae) Collected from the Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey

Abstract

This study aimed to identify skeletal deformities in Mullus barbatus collected from a natural population from northern the Aegean Sea, Turkey. Lordosis, kyphosis, and ankylosis were detected. Assessment of abnormality in the studied specimen was carried out by the morphological diagnosis and also by using radiography. The case studied was not fatal as it occurred in an adult individual. The possible causes for such deformity are discussed. Further studies are needed to relate specific pollutants with the observed types of deformity.