Preliminary osteological studies on the Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.,1758) from the Hornsund region (Spitsbergen)

Abstract

A preliminary osteological analysis of 48 individuals of the Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.,1759) was performed within the framework of a comprehensive study of the species in the area of Hornsund (Vest Spitibergen). The Arctic charr in the area were found to have 63-61 vertebrae (64.3 on the average). Variability of the size and shape of skull bones was subject to a preliminary analysis in terms of their diversification. The considerable differences the appearance of the bones could have been caused, apart from the sexual dimorphism, by a considerable variation in length and age of the individuals examined. Malformations in the backbone and skull bones were observed in the sample.