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

The normal and lateral line cycloid scales of a cyprinid fish Capoeta damascina (Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1842) have been subjected to the scanning electron microscopy technique in order to study their detailed structure. The scales have the general morphological characteristics of the cycloid scales. In the normal scale located below the dorsal fin, the focus lies towards the anterior region and is covered by reticulate or honeycomb form structures with few mucous pores. There is a clear-cut demonstration between the anterior and posterior region. In the posterior section, the scale has several rows of pigmented 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 firm attachment to the skin. The circuli may also have calcium projections. The lateral line scale has a canal which characteristically lies along the anterior-posterior axis, slightly towards the posterior part with two anterior and posterior openings. The anterior opening is wider than the posterior opening and is hidden by an evelike extension cantilevered over it. Based on the obtained results it could be concluded that the shape and size of lepidonts on the circuli crest and also the pattern of reticulate or honeycomb form structures in the focus region may provide reliable taxonomic tools.