Structure and development of spines over the skin surface of the river puffer Takifugu obscurus (Tetraodontidae, Teleostei) during larval growth

Abstract

The histological structure and development of spines on the skin surface of Takifugu obscurus were studied during larval development conducted artificially with an average 30& salinity and 18.0-20.3°C water temperature. The epidermis comprises an outermost layer, middle layer, and the stratum germinativum, and contains three types of gland cells: small spherical or flask-shaped mucous cells, larger sacciform mucous cells, and large granular cells. The dermis and subcutis follow. The spines first appear over the ventral region at 10 days after hatching and consist of two parts: a central long tapering portion which projects into the epidermis and eventually outside of the body, and a short supporting basal portion that is embedded within the stratum compactum layer of the dermis. The central, long tapering portion has two very short processes on top until 25 days after hatching, but these two separate spines fuse into one 30 days after hatching. In contrast, the short supporting spines rooted at the base consist of three to six small spines (usually four to five spines) and are present even in the adult stage. Therefore, calcareous spines consisting of one central long spine and three to six smaller supporting spines form tetra-and septaradiate spines (mainly penta-and hexaradiate). The spines first appear over the ventral region.

The Genetic Basis of Scale-Loss Phenotype in the Rapid Radiation of Takifugu Fishes

“…The mineralized structure is in the shape of a hollow cone, and the tip of the cone is elongated to form a compact thorn ( Figure 2D). This structure is similar to those described in other pufferfish species [16,28,44,45]. crosses of T. niphobles, T. pardalis, and T. snyderi.…”

Spines of the porcupine fish: Structure, composition, and mechanical properties

“…In addition to inflating their bodies, porcupine fish also have long spines across their body that are erectile when the fish inflates [26]. These spines serve to increase the effective volume of the porcupine fish, making it harder for predators to swallow, and are actually modified scales [26,41,42].…”

“…Hertwig, et al [43] observed that the dermal spines inTetraodon steindachneri have bilateral symmetry and have a laminated longitudinal cross-section. The spines of the T. steindachneri and Takifugu obscurus can be stained using alizarin red-S ( Figure 5), a histological dye that indicates the presence of calcium [41,43]. Of note, spines have a dense outer layer of collagen around the mineralized core [43], as well as many concentric circles in the transverse cross-section of the spines [41].…”

“…The spines of the T. steindachneri and Takifugu obscurus can be stained using alizarin red-S ( Figure 5), a histological dye that indicates the presence of calcium [41,43]. Of note, spines have a dense outer layer of collagen around the mineralized core [43], as well as many concentric circles in the transverse cross-section of the spines [41]. The composition of porcupine fish spines is largely unknown, since alizarin red only signifies the presence of calcium but does not specify whether the spines contain calcium carbonate, hydroxyapatitite, or both minerals.…”

Effect of Feeding Frequency on Growth and Body Composition of Juvenile River Puffer, Takifugu obscurus in Winter season

“…지금까지 황복에 대한 연구는 생식생물학 (Jang 환경생리 et al, 1999a;Jang et al, 1999b), (Kim et 발생 al., 1996;Kim et al, 1997), (Jang et al, 초 1996;Yang & Chen, 2005;Byeon et al, 2011), 기 사육 세포유전학 (Kang et al, 2004), (Park et …”