| Abstract: | A hitherto unknown escal gland not associated with the escal light gland has been found in some ceratioid fishes (Ceratias holboelli, C. uranoscopus, C. tentaculatus, and Phyllorhinichthys micractis). This so-called accessory escal gland (AEG) is situated in the connective tissue around the illicium and part of the escal light gland. The presence of ducts opening on the surface of the esca shows that the AEG, like the escal light gland, is derived from the epidermis. The function of the AEG is unknown. Its location suggests that it may in some way supplement the escal light gland, for example, by secreting substances yielding a scent that may attract prey animals. |
