ISSN:
1095-8649
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
A comparative histological and histochemical study on the skin structure of six dragonet species, Synchiropus splendidus, Synchiropus picturatus, Synchiropus ocellatus, Repomucenus richardsonii, Callionymus decoratus and Callionymus risso showed that the epidermis of all species was rich in mucous cells (globlet cells), varying in distribution and elaboration among species. A second, distinctive, cell type, the sacciform cell, was also found in S. splendidus and S. picturatus. The secretions of these two cell types probably serve several functions, including those related to predation and the close contact that these species have with the substratum. The differences in type, elaboration and distribution of the cells suggested a pattern among the six callionymid species, in relation to habitat and body colouration differences.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-1112.2005.00692.x
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