Y. Mukai, A. D. Tuzan, L. S. Lim, N. Wahid, M. S. Sitti Raehanah and S.
Senoo (2008): Development of sensory organs in larvae of African catfish
Clarias gariepinus. J. Fish Biol. 73(7), 1648-1661.
Abstract: African catfish Clarias gariepinus hatched with morphologically
immature features; however, sensory organs developed rapidly with fish
growth. Although the eyes of newly hatched larvae were immature without
pigment, in 2 day-old larvae, the retina of the eyes had already developed
except for the rod cells. No free neuromasts were observed in newly hatched
larvae. In 1 day-old larvae, however, free neuromasts were observed on the
head and trunk. Free neuromasts increased with larval growth. Newly hatched
larvae had simple round-shaped otic vesicles; however, all sensory epithelia
of the inner ear were observed until the larvae were 3 days old. Two day-old
larvae swam horizontally, had sharp teeth, commenced ingesting rotifers and
also artificial feed (small-size pellets) under both light and dark
conditions; by then the larvae already had many taste buds. Three day-old
larvae showed negative phototaxis and cannibalism by eating their
conspecifics. Most of the free neuromasts observed in this study had the
peculiar feature of many microvilli around the sensory cells on the apical
surface. Detected free neuromasts as ordinary type lateral-line organs were
not observed in previous reports in teleosts. In 10 day-old larvae, there
were two lines of free neuromasts on the flank and lower edge of the trunk;
presumptive canal neuromasts were oval shaped and had begun to sink under
the skin. The direction of maximum sensitivity of the neuromasts was
parallel with the longitudinal axis of their elliptical apical surface.
URL:
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121510222/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETR
Y=0
For reprints please contact Y. Mukai (Email:
Kind regards
Sonja Amoser
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Dr. Sonja Amoser
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