Jaw development and malformation in cultured striped trumpeter Latris lineata

Intensive culture of striped trumpeter (Latris lineata) has resulted in a h igh incidence of jaw malformation in juveniles. In this study, cranial and jaw development in striped trumpeter was described in cultured larvae reare d in greenwater on rotifers and Artemia. Jaw malformation was only evident in post-flexion larvae greater than the standard length of 10 mm and was ch aracterised by an open jaw in which the maxilla and premaxilla were aligned dorso-ventrally, and the anterior hyoid arch elements were in an abnormal ventral position. X-radiography of the heads of juvenile and adult cultured striped trumpeter revealed ventro-lateral distortion of the jaw elements i n comparison with wild-caught fish. The possible role of physical environme ntal factors and nutrition during culture are discussed in relation to jaw malformation in this and other species. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.