Fine structure of the skin of the amphibious fishes, Boleophthalmus pectinirostris and Periophthalmus cantonensis, with special reference to the location of blood vessels

Abstract

The skin of the amphibious fishes, Periophthalmus cantonensis and Boleophthalmus pectinirostris, was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In both species the epidermis consists of superficial nonvacuolated epithelial cells, swollen epithelial cells with membrane limited cytoplasmic vacuoles, and basal epithelial cells in a single layer. Unicellular mucous glands, but no chloride cells are found in the epidermis of B. pectinirostris; in contrast there are chloride cells and no unicellular mucous cells in P. cantonensis. Intraepidermal blood vessels are a notable feature in the epidermis of P. cantonensis. Capillaries are distributed near the epidermal surface, offering an air-blood barrier of sufficient thinness (2-4 μm) for cutaneous respiration. The large blood vessels (arterioles and venules) are seen in the middle stratum of the epidermis and seem to be able to regulate blood flow in the skin. In B. pectinirostris, the dermal capillaries lie immediately below the superficial epithelial cells at the apex of a dermal bulge where the air-blood barrier is almost as thin as that of P. cantonensis despite locally different histology. In the spacious dermal bulges, the dermal tissue such as blood vessels, pigment cells, fibroblasts, and collagen fibers are scattered. Melanophores and two other types of chromatophores occur in the part adjacent to the blood vessel wall. The organization of the epidermis and blood vessels of the skin is discussed with regard to terrestrial life in these amphibious fishes. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.