10-04-2005, 10:42 PM
I can provide some info about the double mouth abnormality. This is clearly the result of a mutation in the genes of the cutts that are being raised by the hatcheries. It is likely a recessive mutation that is become more common due to inbreeding in the brood stock gene line. Some of the hatcheries could be relying upon hatchery raised broodstock over several generations. Therefore the gene pool could be less diverse than in a larger natural population. Thus, mutations that are unusual and/or rare in wild populations become more pronounced. Basically, in lay terms, the cutts are have kids with their brothers, sisters, cousins, or even mom and dad. So they end up with an extra finger or two like the Royalty in Europe who married within their families because of elitist class issues.
[signature]
[signature]