SCALE STRUCTURE OF A CYPRINID FISH, CAPOETA DAMASCINA (VALENCIENNES IN CUVIER AND VALENCIENNES, 1842) USING SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE (SEM)*

Abstract

– The normal and lateral line cycloid scales of a cyprinid fish Capoeta damascina (Valenciennes inCuvier and Valenciennes, 1842) have been subjected to the scanning electron microscopy technique in orderto study their detailed structure. The scales have the general morphological characteristics of the cycloidscales. In the normal scale located below the dorsal fin, the focus lies towards the anterior region and iscovered by reticulate or honeycomb form structures with few mucous pores. There is a clear-cutdemonstration between the anterior and posterior region. In the posterior section, the scale has several rows ofpigmented granules (tubercles) with different shapes from round to oval, semi-oval and even oblong structure.On the dorsal side, the anterior circuli bear teeth-like structures called lepidonts which help the scale in firmattachment to the skin. The circuli may also have calcium projections. The lateral line scale has a canal whichcharacteristically lies along the anterior-posterior axis, slightly towards the posterior part with two anteriorand posterior openings. The anterior opening is wider than the posterior opening and is hidden by an evelikeextension cantilevered over it. Based on the obtained results it could be concluded that the shape and size oflepidonts on the circuli crest and also the pattern of reticulate or honeycomb form structures in the focusregion may provide reliable taxonomic tools