Occurrence of cataracts in triploid Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) on four farms in Scotland.

In September 1991 cataracts occurred in two year-classes of triploid Atlantic salmon. The fish showed varying degrees of blindness, were lethargic and became emaciated owing to their inability to feed. The lesions in the lens were mainly in the anterior and posterior cortex and perinuclear areas, the capsule and embryonic nucleus remaining unaffected. Diploid fish of the same year-class did not have cataracts. The origin of the triploid fish, the method of triploidisation, their diet and disease status were investigated, but no predisposing factors could be found to account for the high incidence of cataracts.