Association of a lordosis-scoliosis-kyphosis deformity in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) with family structure

Skeletal deformities constitute a major problem for aquaculture industry by decreasing the final value of the fish. An analysis of skeletal malformations in 11,640 fish was performed considering families and triplicates per family. Thirtynine different skeletal abnormalities were detected, such as lordosis, vertebral fusion, absence of one or both operculum, bent-jaw, etc. Moreover, a new unusual complex spinal column deformity consisting of a consecutive repetition of lordosis, scoliosis and kyphosis (LSK) from the head to the caudal fin was described. This syndrome was statistically associated with the family structure (Z(2H-family,LSK) = 3.49; p < 0.05). The incidence of this deformity was 0.2% in the whole population, and 6.5% within the affected family (2H). The environmental and genetic causes are discussed.