First record of partial albinism in two catfish species of Genidens (Siluriformes: Ariidae) in an estuary of Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT

This study reports the first occurrence of partial albinism in two species of Ariidae Genidens barbus and Genidens planifrons from an estuary of Southern Brazil. Possible causes of the simultaneous occurrence of three specimens with partial albinism are discussed, including random genetic alterations, chronic contamination effects and small effective population size, which may favor the expression of the recessive albino gene.