Histopathological Changes in Black Scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) from the Tripoli Coast, Libya: A Three-Season Baseline Study

Abstract

The Mediterranean Sea experiences pronounced seasonal temperature changes and varied seafloor topography. Within this environment, the coastal waters of Tripoli, Libya, create physiological challenges for resident fish. This study aims to describe seasonal histopathological alterations of vital tissues (liver, kidney, muscle, and gill) in S. porcus collected from the Tripoli coast and discuss their potential relationship to environmental conditions. A total of 25 specimens of black scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) were randomly collected from the Tripoli coast across three distinct seasons. The specimens were dissected to extract the liver, kidney, gills, and dorsal muscle tissues for histological analysis.  Histopathological analysis revealed seasonal differences in tissue lesions. The liver revealed moderate-to-severe vascular dilation, mild activation of Melanomacrophage centers (MMCs), and unidentified parasitic cysts. The kidney showed degenerative alterations in the renal tubular epithelium, focal interstitial fibrosis, granuloma-like structures, and frequent activation of Melanomacrophage centers (MMCs). Most gill and muscle tissues retained normal histological architecture in the majority of examined specimens. Integrating histopathological biomarkers provides a cost-effective, reliable baseline for monitoring deep-water benthic health and evaluating the long-term ecological trajectory of the Libyan coastline.