First record of pughead deformity in <i>Cichla kelberi</i> (Teleostei: Cichlidae), an invasive species in an estuarine system in south‐eastern Brazil

Abstract

The first record of pughead deformity in a Neotropical freshwater fish not raised in captivity is provided, based on an adult male of Cichla kelberi introduced into an estuary of Rio de Janeiro State, south-eastern Brazil. A general biological characterization of the specimen is provided and aspects of its aberrant anatomy are described. Environmental and biological factors that may cause pughead deformity in fishes are discussed.