Fin morphology variation in Aphanius farsicus in two local populations

Abstract

The teleost genus Aphanius is currently composed of at least 32 species. Here, we present observational data from breeding experiments in which we studied two local populations of the Farsi tooth-carp A. farsicus in captivity. Combinations of parental fish from both populations were allowed to spawn in separate aquaria. The resulting offspring showed unpredictable variations in their dorsal and anal fin shapes, including backward extended fins, dual or singular fins, as well as normal fin forms. This variation in A. farsicus fins likely affects the swimming performance of these fish. We judge that the observed fin shape variation in A. farsicus could become an inviting trait for the ornamental fish industry, because of the potential of producing fish with elaborate and attractive fins through selective breeding procedures.