Gill deformation in salmonids: Macroscopic, histological, ultrastructural and elements analysis Deformación de branquias en salmónidos: Análisis macroscópico, histológico, ultraestructural y de elementos

Abstract

Gills act as the respiratory organ in the respiration process in fish. They are considered among the most delicate body structures of teleost fish as they are subject to damage from any irritant, which are the most frequent and significant causes of their pathological changes. The objective of this study is to characterize gill alterations from the anatomical and histological standpoint, and to determine levels of Ca, P and Zn in bone tissue of the spine and skull of affected salmon. For purposes of this study 47 salmon were used in two groups: control and deformation, subjected to complete histological, ultrastructural and element inspection. Abnormalities were observed in both the anatomical and histological context and extensive presence of bacteria and fungi affecting mainly the first arc were found. Therefore, we can conclude that these fish have a genetic susceptibility to gill deformation.