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Development of superficial and lateral line neuromasts in larvae and juveniles of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and sole (Solea solea)
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 May 2009
Extract
The distribution, morphology and sensory cell polarity of neuromasts were followed in developing larvae and recently settled juveniles of Dover sole (Solea soled) and plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) using scanning electron microscopy. In plaice the number of neuromasts increased at a similar rate on both sides of the fish throughout development, and most head neuromasts became incorporated into canals. On the trunk presumptive canal neuromasts were outnumbered by accessory superficial neuromasts in early juveniles. In sole the number of neuromasts increased at a similar rate on both sides until the start of metamorphosis. Subsequently a proliferation of superficial neuromasts on the abocular side of the head resulted in 80% of all the neuromasts on this side of the fish being located on the head in early juveniles. Both species had developed asymmetry of the head canals by the early juvenile stage, while canal formation on the trunk commenced later on the abocular side than on the ocular side. Mean numbers of sensory hair cells per neuromast showed little change until metamorphosis in both species, after which there was a two- to three-fold increase in hair cell number. The polarities of the sensory hair cells showed more variability on the head than on the trunk in both species. In general, hair cells were aligned for maximum sensitivity along the axes of the canals which would subsequently enclose them, but in the case of the superficial neuromasts on the abocular side of the head in sole the polarities followed surface features such as the nares, papillae and fin rays.
- Type
- Research Article
- Information
- Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 72 , Issue 3 , August 1992 , pp. 651 - 668
- Copyright
- Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1992
References
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