The specimen was caught in the area of Lastovo island in Croatia at a depth of 70 meters. It was an recently spawned female, 47 cm long. It has radically different coloration than other specimens of the same species which are mostly brown. We suspect this is a case of xanthochromism, but any other theory is more than welcome. It would be very interesting to know of other experiences with this or similar type of coloration in this species. Additionaly, patches of brown coloration were still visible on the head of the specimen.
Thank you!
Dear Branko
Your fish have the case known as the xanthic phenotype, where the majority of the body coloration turns to yellow. Your specimen is also showing a different pattern of spotting. Are you sure it is the T. radiatus? if you are sure, then the gene mutation that responsible for the xanthic phenotype has also changed the pattern of spotting.
Please feel free to get in contact with me.
Regards
Laith A. Jawad
Auckland
New Zealand
Dear Branko
Your fish have the case known as the xanthic phenotype, where the majority of the body coloration turns to yellow. Your specimen is also showing a different pattern of spotting. Are you sure it is the T. radiatus? if you are sure, then the gene mutation that responsible for the xanthic phenotype has also changed the pattern of spotting.
Please feel free to get in contact with me.
Regards
Laith A. Jawad
Auckland
New Zealand
Dear Branko,
As it is observed from your photos, I agree with Dr. Laith explanation. Xanthic phenotype is the main possible reason for this unusual coloration of this species, although some kind of genetic abnormalities is not excluded.
Best regards
SM Najim
Thank you for your valuable comments! It seems like this really could be the case of xanthic phenotype. We had similar condition also in one Dentex gibbosus specimen (unusually yellow coloration in the head area). Anyway, it's always better to get additional opinions especially with such rare conditions. Thank you again!
Please consider other probabilities-
1. Any information on sexual dimorphism of this species? Colour pattern differs in males and females especially during the breeding season in many species. It might be due to paucity of preferred food
2. Colouration is due body pigment which normally the fish derives from the food; It might be due to paucity of preferred food in the spawning ground
In many fish species the deep-water specimens have a tendency to be yellow.
In your case, it is not only yellow but also has a different pattern. Strange.
Dear Branko,
I agree with Dr. Salah , my be the reason for this unusual coloration in weever fish due to coloration genetic defect.
Best regards
KS Al-Niaeem
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