Cataracts in cichlid fish
Noga, E.J.; Wolf, E.D.; Cardeilhac, P.T.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 179(11): 1181-1182
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 7328001 Document Number: 178857
Bilateral cataracts were detected in a group of aquarium-raised tilapia (Sarotherodon mossambicus). Vision impairment was manifested as random swimming into objects, but the fish appeared to function normally otherwise. Most of the lens was opaque, with the outer extent of the cortex and subcapsular region remaining transparent. Skeletal abnormalities, ie, deformed fins, abnormal jaws, and curvature of the spine, were observed in affected individuals. Histologically, there was progressive degeneration of the cataractous portion as the affected fish matured. Preliminary breeding experiments indicated that the condition may be inherited.