A unique surface pattern and micropylar apparatus in the eggs of Luciocephalus sp. (Perciformes, Luciocephalidae)

A hitherto undescribed Luciocephalus species was bred in captivity for the first time. The male mouthbrooders spawned about 80 slightly pear-shaped eggs with a diameter varying from 2-2 to 3-4 mm. The enveloping zona radiata measured 15 μm in thickness. In the SEM the outer surface of the zona radiata showed a pattern which is unique among all teleosts studied to date. Many of the numerous, virtually parallel ridges extended from the vegetal to the animal pole. There they spiralled towards the micropyle and terminated in its pit. The role of such a surface pattern as a sperm guidance system was discussed.