FIRST RECORD OF CAUDAL FIN DEFORMITY IN CRUCIAN CARP (CARASSIUS CARASSIUS) FROM DAL LAKE, KASHMIR, INDIA: MORPHOMETRIC AND RADIOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE

Abstract

This study reports the first documented occurrence of caudal fin deformity in crucian carp (Carassius carassius) from Dal Lake, Kashmir, India, based on morphometric and radiographic observations. Skeletal abnormalities in fish are of biological interest because of their potential effects on locomotion and survival in natural populations. In the present investigation, six malformed specimens (n = 6) collected from Dal Lake were examined and compared with phenotypically normal conspecifics (n = 25). Morphometric analysis revealed a marked reduction and deformation of the caudal fin in affected individuals, whereas meristic characteristics, including fin ray counts and lateral line scales, remained unchanged, suggesting preserved fin ray patterning. Radiographic examination further confirmed that the structural alterations were confined primarily to the caudal region. Although the precise causative factors could not be determined, the occurrence of such deformities highlights the need for continued monitoring of fish health in the Dal Lake ecosystem. This first record provides baseline data for future studies on skeletal abnormalities in wild fish populations in the region.