Skeletal deformities in the Atlantic Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara (Perciformes: Epinephelidae).

Several studies pointed out that skeletal abnormalities, although widespread among species, are rare in wild populations. There is a gap in the knowledge of such anomalies on endangered fish species regarding types of deformities, geographical distribution, and possible consequences on key behaviors. Here, we describe new records of skeleton deformities in the endangered Atlantic Goliath Grouper (AGG), Epinephelus itajara, based on 20 years of scientific dives and collections focused on studing AGG spawning aggregations and movement using telemetry in Florida (U.S.) and along the Brazilian coast. Five different deformities were recorded (pughead, shorttail, pughead no-eye, finless, and shorttail-pughead). We also compiled and discussed previous records from the literature and the challenges posed by these deformities. We proposed hypotheses related to the challenges imposed by each type of deformity on wild juvenile AGG. Despite the low frequencies in wild populations, abnormal individuals may have a higher survival rate in aquaculture facilities.