Distribution of deformities among cultured Sparus aurata marketed in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

Summary Deformities/anomalies in fish body shapes have important implications on the marketability of the fish and thus can affect particularly the consumer perception of aquaculture‐produced fish, raising concerns on animal welfare. The aim of this study was to detect the distribution of deformities in cultivated Sparus aurata that were raised to market size and sold in Istanbul Gürpınar Wholesale Fish Market in 2017–2018. We used external examination methods and X‐ray imaging techniques to detect body deformities. Various types of deformities were found such as lordosis, cranial malformations, malpigmentation and change in the number of vertebrae. In most cases the same fish exhibited several malformations.