Characterization of lateral musculature in the striped weakfish (Cynoscion striatus Cuvier).

ABSTRACT

Histochemical and ultrastructural studies were performed on lateral musculature from individual female weakfish (Cynoscion striatus Cuvier). Based upon SDH, PhR, Sudan and myosin-ATPase determinations, different kinds of red, pink and white fibres were discerned at the anterior, medium and posterior regions. Levels of glycolytic activity increased from red to white fibres, being intermediate in the pink ones. Contrarily, oxidative activity decreased from red to pink and white fibres. Histochemical stain showed a complex distribution of fibre types in each layer. A considerable variation in size and distribution was also found among fibres.