29 Laith A. JAwAd 1 , Armin KoushA 2 A case of vertebral coalescence and lateral line deformity in Hypophthalamichthys nobilis (Richardson, 1844) obtained from aquaculture activity in Iran AbstRAct Vertebral coalescence and malformation in the lateral line are reported in a specimen of cultured cyprinid ish Hypophthalamichthys nobilis . severe vertebral fusion was observed and described. Lateral line showed unusual undulation in the trunk region. Genetic and epigenetic causes may be implicated in these anomalies. Keywords: Abnormality, vertebral coalescence, lateral line, Hypophthalamichthys nobilis, Iran. 1 Marine Science & Fisheries Centre, Ministry of Fisheries Wealth Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2 Norwegian College of Fisheries Science, University of Tromso, Norway Spinal deformities in natural and reared ish populations are relatively well described and documented (tutman et al., 2000; Dulčić, 2004; Jawad, 2005). In wild ishes, the visible anomalies are usually encountered through ishing activi- ties, angling, and scientiic studies. They are used as indicators of water pollu- tion, because of their high incidence in polluted areas (bengtsson, 1979). Fish reared in an aquacultural setting are exposed to different environmental cues and stimuli as compared with wild ish. Food, habitat, water quality, light- ing, and sound may be well controlled in food-focused aquaculture, but these variables are only relevant to the extent that they limit growth rates or survival of the product (schwartz et al., 2005). The quality of aquaculture-produced ish depends on organoleptic and mor- phological characteristics that are directly related to the quality of the fry and its diet (Dinis & Soares, 1993). In ish culture the frequencies of phenotypic anomalies can be higher than the wild population because environmental control ensures survival while in the wild predation and other components of natural boll. Mus. reg. sci. nat. torino Vol. 28 - N. 1 pp. 29-36 31-10-2011