Observation on skeletal deformity in band fish, Acanthocepola indica (Day, 1888)

Abstract

First observation on the skeletal deformity in band fish, Acanthocepola indica (Day, 1888) is documented herewith from the west coast of India, Arabian Sea. The deformed specimen was diagnosed with 45 dorsal-fin rays; 48 anal-fin rays; 10 caudal-fin rays; 12+28 vertebrae; length of anal fin 71.0 % SL; length of dorsal fin base 81.8 % SL and length of caudal fin 14.9 % SL. Further, identity of the specimen was confirmed with molecular analysis and the results show no deviation from the normal population.