Osteological development of the vertebral column, paired, dorsal and anal fins in Rutilus caspicus, Pravdin (1927) (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

Study of the osteological development in fishes is important from fisheries, biology and aquaculture points of views. It can be used as an early bio-indicator of non-optimal rearing conditions. The Caspian roach, Rutilus caspicus is a native cyprinid fish of the Caspian Sea that its artificial propagation has fulfilled in hatcheries to recruit its natural stocks. Hence, this study was conducted to provide early development of its vertebral column, paired and median fins from hatching up to 90-dph as basic biological information. For osteological examinations, the specimens were cleared and stained and a detailed description of the ontogeny of the post-cranial skeleton provided. The results showed that no osteological structure present at hatching. The first observed skeletal structure was the vertebral column followed by the pectoral fins, caudal fins and almost simultaneously dorsal, anal and pelvic fins