Journal article

Publication year: 1978

Pages: 133-146

Volume number: 91

Issue number: 2

Abstract: 
The structure of the gonopodium of H. formosa was studied by light- microscopy and EM (scanning and transmission). In adults the number of the analis fin rays varies between 8-11. The anterior part of the fin which is extremely reduced in size, contains rays I and II, the median part modified for use in copulation is stabilized by rays III to V, whereas the posterior part revealing ordinary size, contains rays VI to VIII/IX/X/XI. Ray III is the main supporting element of the gonopodium. The anterior ramus of ray IV bears proximal serrae and is elongated, thus forming a terminal hook of genus specificity. In H. formosa the suspensorium consists of 4 gonapophyses, 9 interhemal spines and a number of baseosts. The peripheral part of the dermis of the gonopodium is made up by a multilayered epithelium. Most of the epithelial cells are toothed with numerous desmosomes. Microridges of the outer cells form a meandrian surface pattern. There are few free nerve endings within the epithelium. A basement membrane of varying thickness separates the epithelium from an underlying thin layer of connective tissue which surrounds the central bone tissues of the gonopodium. Blood vessels and nerve fiber bundles are embedded in the bone tissue. The endothelial cells of the afferent capillaries form thin lamellae which are overlapped in part. The contacts of the endothelial cells are made up by gap or tight junctions. The functional morphology of the gonopodium is discussed corresponding to the anatomical and ultrastructural findings.

Harvard Citation style: RIEHL, R., HOLL, A. and SCHULTE, E. (1978) MORPHOLOGICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES ON GONOPODIUM OF HETERANDRIA-FORMOSA AGASSIZ, 1853 (PISCES, POECILIIDAE), 91(2), pp. 133-146

APA Citation style: RIEHL, R., HOLL, A., & SCHULTE, E. (1978). MORPHOLOGICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES ON GONOPODIUM OF HETERANDRIA-FORMOSA AGASSIZ, 1853 (PISCES, POECILIIDAE). 91(2), 133-146.