Su di un caso di lordosi in un cavedano d'acquario (Leuciscus cephalus L, 1758)

The case of an aquarium European chub (Leuciscus cephalus L, 1758) is reported. The fish was introduced in aquarium atage class 0+ (approx standard length: 6 cm) where it was hosted, with goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus L, 1758), until itdied, because of circulation pump failure, at age class IV (standard length: 11.9 cm). Fish were regularly fed with goldfish formulatedfood. After a year, the chub developed progressive lordosis. When it died caudal tract was approximately perpendicularto the trunk. Morphometrics data were different from the expected values (obtained from bibliography) when the latter werecomputed with regard to the same age class. Spinal deformity was also characterised by means of radiograph examination.Lordosis began at the 29th vertebra and ended at the 34th vertebra, with a mild kyphosis starting at the level of the 35th vertebra.In the lordotic tract intervertebral space was reduced and vertebrae showed a trapezoidal shape rather than the normalrectangular shape. Nutrional imbalances due to feeding with inadequate food (with regard both with energy and protein contents)might have acted as predisposing factor sensitizing the axial skeleton to overload damage (due to intensive flashing)and buckling failure leading to lordosis as previously suggested in other fish species.[...]