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Ultrastructure and distribution of superficial neuromasts of blind cavefish, Phreatichthys andruzzii , juveniles
Author(s) -
Dezfuli Bahram S.,
Magosso Sara,
Simoni Edi,
Hills Kathleen,
Berti Roberto
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/jemt.20714
Subject(s) - ultrastructure , anatomy , operculum (bryozoa) , biology , lateral line , zebrafish , zoology , genus , biochemistry , gene
Transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM) were used to study the ultrastructure of superficial neuromasts in 15 six‐month old blind cavefish juveniles, Phreatichthys andruzzii (Cyprinidae). In five specimens examined with SEM, the number of superficial neuromasts over the fish body (480–538) was recorded. They were localized mainly on the head (362–410), including the dorsal surface, the mentomandibular region, and laterally from the mouth to the posterior edge of the operculum. Neuromasts were also present laterally on the trunk and near the caudal fin (116–140). A significantly higher number of neuromasts were present on the head compared to the trunk ( t ‐test, P < 0.05). Superficial neuromasts of the head and those along the trunk were similar in ultrastructure. Each neuromast comprised sensory hair cells surrounded by nonsensory support cells (mantle cells and supporting basal cells) with the whole covered by a cupula. Each hair cell was pear‐shaped, 15–21 μm high and 4–6 μm in diameter, with a single long kinocilium and several short stereocilia. Most support cells were elongated, with nuclei occupying a large portion of the cytoplasm. In the margin of the neuromast, mantle cells were particularly narrow. Both types of support cells had well‐developed Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum. The number of hair cells and nonsensory support cells of the anterior lateral line (head) did not differ significantly from those of the posterior lateral line (trunk) ( t ‐test, P > 0.05). Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.