Skeletal development and abnormalities of the vertebral column and fins in larval stage of hatchery‐reared American shad,Alosa sapidissima |
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| Authors: | Xiao‐Qiang Gao Zhi‐Feng Liu Chang‐Tao Guan Bin Huang Bao‐Liang Liu Yu‐Dong Jia Zheng‐Long Guo Yao‐Hui Wang Guo‐Ping Xue Lei Hong |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Key Laboratory for Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Qingdao Key Laboratory for Marine Fish Breeding and Biotechnology, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China;2. Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China;3. Jiangsu Zhongyang Group, Nantong, China;4. Haian Aquatic Product Technology Promotion Department, Nantong, China |
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| Abstract: | The present study describes the skeletal development and the occurrence of deformities in American shad, Alosa sapidissima, larvae from hatching to 45 days after hatching (DAH). The ontogeny of the vertebral column started at 16 DAH (days after hatching), with the formation of the posterior neural and haemal arches, and was complete at 28 DAH. In comparison, the vertebral centra started to form at 16 DAH, with ossification being visible in all centra at 38 DAH. The pectorals were the only fins that formed before the onset of feeding (at 2 DAH), with ossification being complete at 45 DAH. The caudal fin formed at 5 DAH, with ossification being complete at 40 DAH. Dorsal and pelvic fin development began at 6 DAH and 20 DAH respectively. The ossification of both the dorsal and pelvic fins was visible at 45 DAH. The anal fin began forming at 14 DAH, and was complete at 30 DAH. The ossification of the anal fin was complete at 45 DAH. Overall, 22 types of skeletal deformities were detected in about 41% of individuals. Most anomalies were detected in the haemal region, while the fewest anomalies were detected in the anal fin. In addition, the frequency of deformities gradually increased with fish age at the different developmental stages. Our results are expected to contribute baseline information on how rearing conditions impact skeletal development, in addition to identifying potential causative factors of skeletal deformities. |
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| Keywords: | American shad Alosa sapidissima ossification osteological development skeletal abnormalities |
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