Abstract
Adults of nine species of surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) from the Red Sea, Israel and the Eastern Tropical Pacific off Mexico possess previously undescribed fat bodies associated with both male and female gonads. These structures are unique in that they are external to the abdominal cavity, are composed almost entirely of highly-saturated triacylglycerols, and appear to have close circulatory connection with the gonads. In all species except one, the fat bodies rest in triangular pockets between the trunk musculature and skin, which extend posteriorly just above the anal fin base. The composition, arrangement and dynamics of the fat bodies suggest that they support the active gonad during a spawning season that lasts, in one species, from May to September.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature cited
Cowey, C. B. and J. R. Sargent: Nutrition. In: Fish physiology, Vol. 8, pp 1–58. Ed. by W. S. Hoar, D. J. Randall and J. R. Brett. New York: Academic Press 1979
Hiatt, R. W. and D. W. Strasburg: Ecological relationships of the fish fauna on coral reefs of the Marshall Islands. Ecol. Monogr. 30, 65–127 (1960)
Jones, R. S.: Ecological relationships in Hawaiian and Johnston Island Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes). Micronesica 4, 309–361 (1968)
Love, R. M.: The biochemical composition of fish. In: Physiology of fishes, Vol. 1, pp 401–418. Ed. by M. E. Brown. New York: Academic Press 1957
Randall, J. E.: A contribution to the biology of the convict surgeonfish of the Hawaiian Islands, Acanthurus triostegus sandvicensis. Pacif. Sci. 15, 215–272 (1961a)
Randall, J. E.: Observations on the spawning of surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) in the Society Islands. Copeia 1961, 237–238 (1961b)
Robertson, D. R., N. V. C. Polunin and K. Leighton: The behavioral ecology of three Indian Ocean surgeonfishes (Acanthurus lineatus, A. leucosternon and Zebrasoma scopas): their feeding strategies, and social and mating systems. Environ. Biol. Fish. 4, 125–170 (1979)
Tyler, J. C.: Osteological aspects of interrelationships of surgeon fish genera (Acanthuridae). Proc. Acad. natl Sci. Phila. 122, 87–124 (1970a)
Tyler, J. C.: The dorsal and anal spine-locking apparatus of surgeon fish genera (Acanthuridae). Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 38, 391–410 (1970b)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Communicated by O. Kinne, Oldendorf/Luhe
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fishelson, L., Montgomery, W.L. & Myrberg, A.A. A new fat body associated with the gonad of surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae: Teleostei). Mar. Biol. 86, 109–112 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00399015
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00399015