Microstructural architecture of the bony scutes, spine, and rays of the bony fins in the common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus).

ABSTRACT: Studying scute and fin morphology are advantageous approaches for phylogenetic identification and provide information on biological linkages and evolutionary history that are essential for deciphering the fossil record. Despite this, no prior research has precisely characterized the histological structures of scutes in the common pleco. Therefore, this research investigated the microstructure and organization of bone tissue within the dermal skeleton, including the scutes and fins, in the common pleco, using light microscopy, stereomicroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The dermal scutes were organized in a pentagonal shape with denticular coverage and were obliquely aligned with the caudal portion pointing dorsally. The dermal scutes consisted of three distinct portions: the centra

SUBMITTER: Abd-Elhafeez HH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11376312 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature