Fish deformities

[John F]

Guys,

Wondered how many of you have ever encountered deformed fish?

While naturally occurring deformities in fish is relatively rare (mother nature is usually inclement with those not fit enough), sometimes these fish do survive... there are lot's of factors causing fish deformities including genetic mutations, parasites, pollutants, malnutrition, physical injuries, etc...

Here are two examples of fish with obvious deformities I found... both in a small mangrove inlet (Costa do Sol), northeast of Maputo...

Please share yours!

[SAfish]

This is a very interesting subject. It is amazing how fish can adapt with these deformities. I caught a lesser sand shark the other day with almost half of its head missing. The fish was clearly chomped by another shark but survived and the wound healed completely. Although this was not a "birth defect" it shows you how tough fish can be.

[John F]

Got any pics? Would like to see that!

[SAfish]

Sorry, I usually try to get them back in the water as quick as possible and I struggled a bit to get the hook out. It was missing at least 1/3 of its head on the right side. I really don't know how it survived. I could see that it was an old wound and it must have happened when it was still young.

[WalkersKiller]

Wow hectic stuff Marcos, fish are really amazing creatures