Aetiology of skeletal deformity in a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Barbus grypus</Emphasis> (Heckel, 1843) fish: clinical and radiological studies

Skeletal deformities have been reported in several species of both cultured and wild fish, and many of these deformities can be associated with a variety of biotic and abiotic factors. This study characterized bone deformities in adult Barbus grypus fish and investigated potential associations between some agent(s) and these deformities by using a series of clinical examinations. Radiological findings included lordosis and scoliosis in trunco-caudal spines. Vertebral numbers and intervertebral spaces were normal, but the vertebrae were shorter compared to healthy fish. Alkaline phosphatase and inorganic phosphorus levels in serum of deformed fish also showed marked changes compared to healthy fish. Ca:Pi ratio was reduced in deformed fish compared with healthy cases. Histopathological investigation of bone columns revealed necrotic area in deformed vertebrae and increased numbers of osteoclasts. We postulate that this may be a contributing factor to the development of the observed bone disorders. Underlying developmental mechanism(s), potentially resulting in these deformities, are considered.