Histopathological changes in the livers of dab, Limanda limanda (L.)

The dab, Limanda limanda (L.), is a common species of flatfish found in the shallow waters of the North Sea, particularly in inshore regions. Because of its distribution and habits, it is a useful species for investigations into the biological effects of marine pollution; it is also susceptible to certain, easily‐detectable, gross diseases, including a variety of hepatic lesions, some of which are putative neoplasias. Investigations over the past 10 years on the histopathology of dab livers, have revealed that many lesions are associated with parasitic infections or trauma, and others include the presence of basophilic foci and putative adenoma as well as cell storage changes. The significance of these lesions is discussed in relation to other biological and physical data, and the necessity for histological evaluation is emphasized.