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<p>The lateral line distribution is a critical morphological feature for taxonomic differentiation within the genus <i>Cynoglossus</i>. This study documents a rare lateral line anomaly in <i>Cynoglossus quadrilineatus</i>, a species typically characterised by two ocular-side lateral lines. A specimen with three well-developed ocular-side lateral lines was discovered in coastal waters near Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Morphological and molecular analyses, including a direct comparison between anomalous and non-anomalous specimens, were conducted to determine whether the anomaly represents a taxonomic feature or a developmental variation. Meristic and morphometric assessments confirmed that the anomalous specimen falls within the diagnostic range of <i>C. quadrilineatus</i>. Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene analysis revealed minimal genetic divergence (0.48%) between specimens with two and three ocular-side lateral lines, supporting their conspecificity. These findings suggest that the additional lateral line is a developmental anomaly rather than a species-specific trait, demonstrating that lateral line variations can occur in <i>C. quadrilineatus</i>, despite it being a critical morphological character in species diagnosis. This conclusion is based on a single individual exhibiting the anomaly, which limits broader generalisation and emphasises the need for additional observations. This study highlights the importance of integrating molecular tools with traditional taxonomy to resolve uncertainties arising from morphological deviations in fish species.</p>

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Documenting a Rare Lateral Line Anomaly in Cynoglossus quadrilineatus (Bleeker, 1851): Insights from Morphological and Molecular Analyses

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月9日

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  • Ameen Ummath,
  • Kumar Kashyap,
  • Samrat Kalita,
  • Sasidharan Venu,
  • Fahmeeda Parveen

摘要

The lateral line distribution is a critical morphological feature for taxonomic differentiation within the genus Cynoglossus. This study documents a rare lateral line anomaly in Cynoglossus quadrilineatus, a species typically characterised by two ocular-side lateral lines. A specimen with three well-developed ocular-side lateral lines was discovered in coastal waters near Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Morphological and molecular analyses, including a direct comparison between anomalous and non-anomalous specimens, were conducted to determine whether the anomaly represents a taxonomic feature or a developmental variation. Meristic and morphometric assessments confirmed that the anomalous specimen falls within the diagnostic range of C. quadrilineatus. Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene analysis revealed minimal genetic divergence (0.48%) between specimens with two and three ocular-side lateral lines, supporting their conspecificity. These findings suggest that the additional lateral line is a developmental anomaly rather than a species-specific trait, demonstrating that lateral line variations can occur in C. quadrilineatus, despite it being a critical morphological character in species diagnosis. This conclusion is based on a single individual exhibiting the anomaly, which limits broader generalisation and emphasises the need for additional observations. This study highlights the importance of integrating molecular tools with traditional taxonomy to resolve uncertainties arising from morphological deviations in fish species.