Incidence of spinal deformities in natural populations of sandsmelt,Atherina boyeri (Risso, 1810) in the Neretva river estuary, middleAdriatic

摘要

Information is presented on the occurrence of spinal deformities in natural populations of sandsmelt, Atherina boyeri in the Neretva River estuary, middle eastern Adriatic. During 1998 and 1999, the spinal deformity levels varied between 2.02% and 10.30% in four samplings, and 3.58% in total catch. The spine is deformed in one to a few places from vertical to horizontal angles, and the deformities are visible on the fish body immediately after catching. The possible reasons for such deformities are discussed.