A histological study of the blue-dashed rockskipper (Blenniella periophthalmus)


SOCIETY FOR INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
2021 VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING (VAM)
January 3 – Febuary 28, 2021

Meeting Abstract


P7-8  Sat Jan 2  A histological study of the blue-dashed rockskipper (Blenniella periophthalmus) Buo, C*; Garner, AM; Londraville, RL; University of Akron, Akron, OH; University of Akron, Akron, OH; University of Akron, Akron, OH cb46@zips.uakron.edu

Blue-dashed rockskippers are a combtooth blenny found in intertidal areas of Indo-Pacific waters. These amphibious fish exhibit jumping behaviors and adhesive ability on both rough and smooth surfaces. We were interested in investigating the morphological mechanisms responsible for the adhesive capabilities of these fish, particularly since very little work has been published on this species. Histological staining of integumentary tissue from both the ventral and lateral areas revealed very little muscle but a relatively thick layer of dense collagen in the dermis. We propose that this layer of dermal tissue assists the fish in adhesion through an ability to conform to the surface in conjunction with mucous to create a contact area large enough to allow for adhesion.

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