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Epidermal tags in clupeid fishes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

A. C. G. Best  and
M. Whitear
A. C. G. Best
Affiliation:
The Laboratory, Marine Biological Association, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB
M. Whitear
Affiliation:
Zoology Department, University College, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
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Abstract

The clupeid fishes Clupea harengus and Sprattus sprattus have small cellular tags projecting from the surface of the epidermis of the head and the margins of the scales. The tags are innervated and assumed to be tactile sensory organs. The fine structure has been investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The protruding part consists of a core of four columns of cells joined by numerous desmosomes, less firmly attached to a single layer of superficial cells. Fine, varicose, nerve fibres run under the superficial cells and end freely. Beneath the tag is a group of prominent basal layer cells and a dermal intrusion with a small nerve. No Merkel cells have been detected in the organs.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 67 , Issue 1 , February 1987 , pp. 135 - 143
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1987

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