First record on the absence of anal fin in the white sardine, Escualosa thoracata (Valenciennes, 1847) from Indian waters

Abstract

White sardine,<em> Escualosa thoracata </em>(Valenciennes, 1847) forms a minor fishery along the west coast of India. An abnormal specimen of white sardine, lacking anal fin, was collected from Mangalore coast along with the normal specimens. The characters of the abnormal specimen are described along with normal specimens. The report is the first of its kind for <em>E. thoracta</em> from Indian waters. The possible causes of the abnormality in this species have been discussed in this communication.