Ambicoloration and morphological aberration in the sole Achirus declivis (Pleuronectiformes: Achiridae) and two other cases of color abnormalities in achirid soles from southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Three cases of color abnormalities and one of morphological aberration in flatfishes of the genus Achirus are described from the Piraquê-Açú River estuary, Espírito Santo, Brazil. One specimen of A. declivis has 75% of the blind side with coloration like that of the ocular side. Another specimen of the same species is strongly hypomelanistic. A third specimen has incomplete eye rotation and a hooked dorsal fin. An ambicolored A. lineatus is also described.

Keywords

• Flatfishes
• Hypermelanosis
• Hypomelanosis
• Abnormal eye rotation
• Malformation