SCALE STRUCTURE OF A CYPRINID FISH, CAPOETA DAMASCINA (VALENCIENNES IN CUVIER AND VALENCIENNES, 1842) USING SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE (SEM)*

Document Type : Regular Paper

Authors

Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71454, I. R. of Iran

Abstract

– The normal and lateral line cycloid scales of a cyprinid fish Capoeta damascina (Valenciennes in
Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1842) have been subjected to the scanning electron microscopy technique in order
to study their detailed structure. The scales have the general morphological characteristics of the cycloid
scales. In the normal scale located below the dorsal fin, the focus lies towards the anterior region and is
covered by reticulate or honeycomb form structures with few mucous pores. There is a clear-cut
demonstration between the anterior and posterior region. In the posterior section, the scale has several rows of
pigmented granules (tubercles) with different shapes from round to oval, semi-oval and even oblong structure.
On the dorsal side, the anterior circuli bear teeth-like structures called lepidonts which help the scale in firm
attachment to the skin. The circuli may also have calcium projections. The lateral line scale has a canal which
characteristically lies along the anterior-posterior axis, slightly towards the posterior part with two anterior
and posterior openings. The anterior opening is wider than the posterior opening and is hidden by an evelike
extension cantilevered over it. Based on the obtained results it could be concluded that the shape and size of
lepidonts on the circuli crest and also the pattern of reticulate or honeycomb form structures in the focus
region may provide reliable taxonomic tools

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Science
Volume 31, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
November and December 2007
Pages 255-262

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