Visualizing mineralization in deformed opercular bones of larval gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) |
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| Authors: | C. Morel D. Adriaens M. Boone T. De Wolf L. Van Hoorebeke P. Sorgeloos |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Evolutionary Morphology of Vertebrates, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat;2. Department of Subatomic and Radiation Physics, Ghent University – UGent, Proeftuinstraat, Gent, Belgium;3. Maricoltura Rosignano di Solvay, srl, Via P. Gigli (Loc Lillatro), Rosignano Solvay, Italy;4. Laboratory of Aquaculture and Artemia Reference Center, Ghent University, Rozier, Gent, Belgium |
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| Abstract: | During the rearing process of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), abnormal development of the opercular bone is particularly common (Aquaculture 156, 1997, 165). In order to alleviate its occurrence in rearing facilities, it’s crucial to identify the very first physical signs of deviation in normal skeletal development. Nano‐CT‐scanning was tested for its applicability to quantify deviations in bone mineralization levels. Seven opercles were dissected from larvi of 65 days post hatching, randomly sampled at the commercial sea bream hatchery Maricoltura di Rosignano Solvay (Livorno, Italy). The samples were nano‐CT‐scanned and computationally reconstructed. Mineralization intensity was colorcoded using Amira software, resulting in a detailed visualization of opercular morphology and mineralization patterns. In conclusion, nano‐CT‐scanning promises to be a good tool to both describe morphology and detect mineralization levels in the early onset of deformities. |
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