Characterization of Hypermelanosis in the Commercially Important Flatfish Synaptura albomaculata (Kaup, 1858) from Indian Coastal Water
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Vasanthan Koothan [1] ; Sneha Jha [2] ; Leo Luricson [1] ; Keerthika Ganesan [1] ; Ayyaru Gopalakrishnan [1]
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[1] Annamalai University
Annamalai University
India
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[2] Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
India
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- Localización: Thalassas: An international journal of marine sciences, ISSN 0212-5919, Vol. 42, Nº. 1, 2026
- Idioma: inglés
- Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
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Resumen
This study investigates the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of hypermelanosis in Synaptura albomaculata (Kaup, 1858). Gross examination revealed distinct pigmentation patterns, with hyperpigmented ventral regions exhibiting a rough texture similar to the dorsal side. Scale morphology analysis indicated a correlation between pigmentation and scale morphology, as hyperpigmented ventral scales resembled those of the dorsal pigmented region. Radiographic analysis showed no significant internal structural differences between hyperpigmented and normal specimen. TEM enabled a detailed examination of cellular modifications linked to increased melanin synthesis, while SEM provided high-resolution surface morphology insights. TEM findings revealed an altered melanosome distribution, with a significant aggregation of melanosomes in hyperpigmented areas. These results suggest that melanosome distribution plays a crucial role in hypermelanosis, potentially influencing scale morphology and pigmentation patterns. As the specimens were collected from the wild, these findings provide valuable insight into naturally occurring pigmentation anomalies, which may reflect adaptive responses, environmental stressors, or underlying genetic factors in estuarine ecosystems. Understanding such conditions in wild populations contributes to baseline ecological knowledge and may aid in monitoring environmental health
