First report on the occurrence of abnormal vertebrae- containing Giant Danio-fish, Devario aequipinnatus (McClelland, 1839) in Stanley Reservoir of Cauvery River, Tamil Nadu (India)

Abstract

Vertebral deformities in a wild specimen of Giant Danio- fish, Devario aequipinnatus (McClelland in 1839) (Cyprinidae: Danioninae), are reported for the first time from Stanley reservoir of Cauvery river. Radiological and morphological study of a normal and deformed fish revealed vertebral malformation in the caudal to the dorsal fin. Adverse environmental factors, such as chemical pollution of the habitat, are considered to be the cause of such deformities.