Before industrialization, the common nase was the most abundant fish species in various river systems in the Swiss midlands. Today, the common nase is considered " threatened with extinction" in Switzerland and some local populations have already disappeared. The exact causes for the decline of nase in Switzerland remain unknown, although high habitat requirements and fragmentation of watercourses are suspected as reasons.
In this project, the focus is on spinal deformities, which are regularly observed in nase. To date, these have not been studied and little is known about causes, prevalence, and effects. The goal of the project is to understand how the deformities are related to age and population. This will provide a baseline for further investigation into the causes and effects of the spinal deformities.
Contact: Jonas Steiner; PD Dr. med. vet Heike Schmidt-Posthaus
