First record of blind-side hypermelanosis in a wild brill, Colistium guntheri (Hutton, 1873) (Pisces: Pleuronectidae), collected from Manukau Harbor, Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

Partial hypermelanosis was observed on the blind side of one specimen of wild brill (Colistium guntheri) with a total length of 330mm, collected from Manukau Harbour, south of Auckland City, New Zealand. This is the first record of brill blind-side hypermelanosis from New Zealand waters. The specimen showed broad melanic patches running mainly at the base of the dorsal and anal fins. Causes for such colour aberration are discussed.