Development of the vertebral column and caudal complex in a flyingfish,Parexocoetus mento mento (Teleostei: Exocoetidae) |
| |
Authors: | Juanito C Dasilao Kosaku Yamaoka |
| |
Institution: | (1) Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kochi University, 200 Otsu, Monobe, Nankoku, 783-0093 Kochi, Japan;(2) Usa Marine Biological Institute, Kochi University, 194 Inoshiri, Usa-cho, Tosa, 781-1164 Kochi, Japan |
| |
Abstract: | The developmental pattern of the vertebral column and caudal complex in juvenile (16.9 mm SL) to adult (112.2 mm SL)Parexocoetus mento mento is described Juvenile external caudal morphology was similar to the adult condition, although juveniles exhibited various
internal ontogenetic changes. Osteological develoment was almost completed at 60–69 mm SL. Complete ossification of the vertebral
column and caudal complex appeared to be the optimal condition giving strength for flight. Loss of perforations in the centra,
neural and haemal arches may be consistent with the rigid and straightened body position during take-off. Some ontogenetic
changes in the caudal complex were related to functional aspects. Ankylosis of the NPU2 spur to the uroneural notch, fusion
of hypurals 3+4 and 5 and the elongated hypural 1+2 (lower hypural) were linked to the acquisition of stability and strength
in the caudal complex. |
| |
Keywords: | Parexocoetus vertebral column caudal complex development |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|