Cytomorphological alterations of the thymus, spleen, head-kidney, and liver in cardinal fish (Apogonidae, Teleostei) as bioindicators of stress.

Morphological and cytological alterations at the light microscope (LM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) levels were observed in the thymus, spleen, head-kidney, and liver of cardinal fishes (Apogonidae, Teleostei) from the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, sampled from a strongly polluted site at the northern end of the gulf, and compared to similar samples from a clean, reference site. At the polluted site, the most prominent change was the formation of numerous deposits of cells rich in phagosomes with lipofucin, melanin granules, and phagocytosed debris, including a high increase in number and dimensions of Hassall's corpuscles and melano-macrophage centers. The number of Hassall's corpuscles was 20 (+/-8.0)/mm(2) and of melano-macrophage centers 18 (+/-4.0)/mm(2) at the polluted site, and 7.0 (+/-4.0)/m(2) vs. 5.0 (+/-2.0)/mm(2) respectively at the reference site. In numerous instances the head kidney's melano-macrophage centers in fishes from the polluted site were encapsulated by reticulocytes, a phenomenon recognized as a marker of neoplasmosis and possible malignancy. In the spleens of fishes from the polluted site, numerous deposits of cell debris, peroxisomes, and enlarged lysosomes were also observed. The livers (hepatopancreas) of fishes from polluted waters demonstrated very strong hyperlipogeny. Many of their hepatocytes were laden with lipid vesicles, fragmented endoplasmic reticulula, and aberrant mitochondria. Although the observed alterations in the glands and liver do not indicate any immediate threat to the life of the fish, they can become crucial with respect to energy turnover and fecundity trajectories. This study strongly suggests the use of cytological alterations in vital organs, such as were observed, as pathological biomarkers to environmental stress.

Comparative morphology and cytology of the male sperm-transmission organs in viviparous species of clinid fishes (Clinidae: Teleostei, Perciformes).

This work comprises the first comparative study of the morphology and cytology of the sperm transmission organs in males of 14 species of viviparous clinid fishes (Clinidae, Blennioidei, Teleostei). The form and dimensions of these organs differ among the various species studied. The organs are composed of intra-abdominal ampullae, into which the sperm ducts and urinary bladder anchor, and an external protruding intromittent papilla used for insemination. The form of the ampullae differs among the various species, from pear-shaped to horseshoe-shaped. It increases in dimensions with increasing length of the male. In all the species this organ is covered by a connective-tissue tunic that encompasses both circular and longitudinal striated muscle bundles. The lumina of the ampullae harbor the epididymis, a strongly convoluted and plicated duct, which becomes filled with spermatozeugmata during reproduction. From here, the epididymis continues into the protruding intromittent papillae, where its folds gradually straighten at the apical part of the intromittent organ. The form and dimensions of this copulatory organ also differ in the various species. Papillae bearing taste buds are found on the apical parts of the intromittent organ, and it is probable that these, together with the difference in forms of the organ, help to prevent interspecific copulation.

Testis structure, spermatogenesis, spermatocytogenesis, and sperm structure in cardinal fish (Apogonidae, Perciformes).

The testes in all 16 of the studied cardinal fish species are shown to be bilobed, with spermatogonia dispersed throughout the gametogenic epithelium of the seminiferous tubules. Each testicular lobe is covered luminally by an epithelium consisting of primary germ cells and Sertoli cells. At maturation the seminiferous tubules reach around 0.6-2.3 mm in length. They number from 60 in the smallest species to over 300 in the largest one, increasing both in dimension and number with increase in length of the male, and are species-specific. The highest number of spermatogonia is found at the apical ends of the tubules. During maturation extensions of Sertoli cells surround single or small groups of B-spermatogonia, forming the spermatocysts, the final dimensions of which reflect the final number of contained spermatozoids. Back-calculations of serial sections reveal that within the spermatocysts the spermatogonia undergo eight generations of mitotic divisions before the first and second meiotic divisions and formation of spermatids. The largest mature spermatocysts in large species attain around 180 microm in diameter, a volume of 25 mm(3), and contain around 8,200 spermatids. The total volume of sperm in the mature spermatocysts leaves enough space for the discarded cytoplasm and developing flagella. The bursting cysts liberate the ripe sperm and maturing spermatids, into the tubule lumen and spermduct, with the spermatids often still connected by cytoplasm bridges. The sperm, with one or two flagella, features round or oval heads and a cytoplasmic collar bearing a few mitochondria. The percentage of biflagellate or monoflagellate sperm differs in proportion in males of different lengths and in different species. Differences in spermatogenesis of small and larger species of cardinal fish are discussed.

Histogenesis of the oropharyngeal cavity taste buds and the relevant nerves and brain centers in substrate-brooding and mouth-brooding cichlid fish (Cichlidae, Teleostei).

This study follows the histogenesis of the oropharyngeal cavity taste buds, along with the development of the relevant neural centers and gustatory nerves, in two cichlid species: the substrate-brooding Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum and the mouth-brooding Astatotilapia flavijosephi, from fertilization to 20-day-old juveniles, grown at a temperature of 26 degrees C. Significant differences in pace of development were shown between the two social types: Substrate-brooders complete embryogenesis and hatch 48 h after fertilization (HAF) and begin to swim 120 HAF, with the yolk sac disappearing 160 HAF, whereas mouth-brooders hatch 84 HAF and begin to swim 196 HAF, with the yolk sac disappearing 360 HAF. Histogenesis of primordial taste buds occurs 75 HAF and 160 HAF in C. cyanoguttatum and A. flavijosephi, respectively. Accordingly, the related sensory ganglia and nerves (VII, IX, and X) develop much earlier in the substrate-brooded larvae and postlarvae. Nerve and brain development in juvenile A. flavijosephi of 13 mm total length (TL) closely resemble those of 8-mm-TL C. cyanoguttatum. These differences in development continue throughout the early stages of growth. Similar differences are observed in the ripening and increase in number of taste buds and dentition on the jaws and pharyngeal bones. The possible triggers and causes of such differences in development, as well as the inductors of taste bud development, are discussed.

Comparative morphology of the eye (with particular attention to the retina) in various species of cardinal fish (Apogonidae, Teleostei).

Various parameters of the eye dimension and structure have been compared in 15 species of cardinal fish (Apogonidae), including both nocturnal and diurnal forms, mostly inhabiting rocky habitats in tropical and subtropical regions. In general, in the nocturnal forms the eye and retina are larger than in the diurnal fish of similar dimensions. In the nocturnal species, eye diameter to body length is ca. 12-13%, whereas in the diurnal species it is less than 10%. Retina size in adult fish of the various species varies from 20 mm(2) to 183 mm(2). Cytological examination of the studied retinas revealed that they are composes, additional to rods (20-40 microm), of both bulbous and slender double cones, as well as single cones. These cones form a mosaic comprising four double with one single in the center, a pattern that is less prominent at the periphery of the retina and more so in the fundus. The rod ellipsoids reveal normal mitochondria, whereas the cones bear ellipsoids featuring opaque and unusual, ellipsosome-like mitochondria. The number of rods in a retinas varies from 15 to 128 million, and the number of cones from 460,000 to 5,673,000. As revealed in cardinal fish of similar dimensions, the number of visual cells found in the retina is much higher in the nocturnal than in the diurnal species. The ecological and developmental aspects of the observed phenomena are discussed.

Ecology of coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea) influenced by pollution.

1. This paper summarizes observations performed during 1966, 1968, and 1972, on coral reef flats 7 km south of Eliat (Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea). The aim of this research was to describe the change in numbers of living coral colonies found on the coral tables in connection with pollution occuring in this habitat. A transect technique, developed by Loya and Slobodkin (1971) was used in this research. 2. In each of the three years, 19 ten metre transects were performed in various directions, on the same coral tables. 3. In 1966, 541 living coral colonies were counted in a total of 190 m of transects. At the identical place, this number had decreased to only 195, in 1972. The decrease in corals was found to be accompanied by a prominant increase in algae growth, that expend and develop, thus covering the coral specimens. 4. Especially sensitive to algal development are the branching micropolypal, coral species, that are the representatives of the genera Acropora, Seriatopora, and Stylophora. Of the above three genera counted in 1966, only 10 out of 192 colonies were found intact, in 1972. 5. The high mortality of corals in this locality occured during the years in which an oil terminal plus a mineral and phosphate loading harbour were developed at Eilat. 6. The frequent oil spills, together with the phosphate dust that reaches the sea, seem to be the factors that cause eutrophication in the shallow lagoon waters of the coral region, and thus the development of algae on the coast of corals is stimulated.

Comparison of testes structure, spermatogenesis, and spermatocytogenesis in young, aging, and hybrid cichlid fish (Cichlidae, Teleostei).

Testis structure, spermatogenesis, and spermatocytogenesis were compared in 13 species of cichlid fishes, belonging to the subfamilies Haplochrominae and Tilapinae. The species studied were either mouth brooders, in which fertilization occurs mostly inside the mouth of the brooding fish, or substrate brooders, whose eggs adhere to a substrate over which the sperm is ejaculated. In this study, the embryogenesis of testes anlagen and sperm production was followed in embryos and in fish up to 15 years old, as well as in hybrids of the two subfamilies. In cichlids, the testes are of the unrestricted type and primary spermatogonia develop along the entire length of the developing sperm tubule. The first primary spermatogonia are observed in the testes anlagen 2-5 days after fertilization and they continue to develop in cysts formed by the enveloping Sertoli cells and the intertubular elements. The dimensions of such primary and secondary spermatocysts are correlated with the number of spermatogonia they contain and the corresponding number of mitotic multiplications. The largest mature cysts attained 300 microm, and contained 2,200-2,400 spermatids in the mouth-brooding species and 2,600-3,200 in the substrate-brooding species. Despite the fact that in such cysts cytoplasmic bridges connect only the isogamete spermatids, the maturation of all cells and consequent spermiation is synchronized. Meristic characters distinguish the sperm of mouth brooders from those of substrate brooders, especially in the number of mitochondria and length of the flagellum. In older fish and hybrids, various changes can be seen in the gametogenic epithelium and intertubular cells. These include thickening of the connective tissue, formation of "yellow" groups of Leydig cells, cell apoptosis and degeneration, and, especially, formation of large spermatogonia, with large, electron-dense nucleoli, that have the cytological characteristics of oocytes. The intra- and interspecific variability of sperm dimensions in the studied cichlids poses an interesting question in the context of sperm competition.

Comparative studies of the development and differentiation of chloride cells in tilapine fish with different reproductive styles.

Using light and electron microscopy and fluorescent probes, we followed the ontogenesis of selected organs in embryos of several species of tilapia (Cichlidae, Pisces) with emphasis on chloride cell differentiation in species with two different reproductive styles: we compared the substrate-brooder Tilapia zillii and the mouth-brooders Oreochromis niloticus, O. aureus, Sarotherodon galilaeus, and Tristramella sacra. In all species a transitory blood network system nurtured by the vena caudalis inferiores supplied the yolk sac and preanal finfold during the advanced stages of embryonic and initial stages of larval development. During these stages chloride cells occurred on the yolk sac, as a part of the abdominal epithelium. The cells and their associated blood plexus remained active here until the gill-lamellae, operculum, and mouth became functional. The chloride cells of their epithelium and blood system then took over, concomitant with a gradual degradation of the transitory blood system on the yolk sac. Ontogenesis of these systems (transitory and permanent) progressed at a higher rate in substrate-brooders than in mouth-brooders and was correlated with the earlier functioning of the gill-operculum system. Thus, at a constant temperature of 26 degrees C, the more exposed T. zillii progeny completed metamorphosis at 7-8 days after fertilization, calculated around 5,000 +/- 80 h/temp, whereas juveniles of more protected mouth-brooders attained a similar stage only 15 +/- 1 days after fertilization and around 9,000 +/- 200 h/temp. This earlier development of chloride cells and other pivotal organs in environmentally exposed progeny of substrate-brooders, as compared to the protected progeny of mouth-brooders, shows that their ontogeny was selected for the optimal survival style under specific etho-ecological conditions.

Taste bud form and distribution on lips and in the oropharyngeal cavity of cardinal fish species (Apogonidae, Teleostei), with remarks on their dentition.

The oral dentition and type and number of taste buds (TB) on the lips and in the oropharyngeal cavity were compared by means of SEM in 11 species of cardinal fishes (Apogonidae) belonging to five genera. The occurrence of a dense cover of skin papillae on the lips of some species (e.g., Apogon frenatus), as well as differences in structure of vomer, tongue, and palatinum, expose additional morphological characters important for clarification of the taxonomy of this group of fishes. Differences are also revealed in the type of dentition, such as on the vomer and epi-hypopharyngeal bones. Strong and dense dentition of the anterior part of the oral cavity and a high number of TB on this site in species feeding on larger prey (e.g., Cheilodipterus spp) is compared to the relatively feeble jaw armor and richness of TB on the more pharyngeal site in species feeding on smaller prey (e.g., Apogon angustatus, A. frenatus). In addition to the three types of TB (Types I-III) previously described from various teleost fish, a fourth type (Type IV), comprising very small buds, was found in some cardinal fish (Apogon angustatus, A. frenatus). The various TB are distributed from the lips to the pharyngeal bones, on the breathing valves, tongue, palatinum, and pharyngeal bones; their number and type on the various sites differ in the different species. In all species studied the Types I and II TB, elevated above the surrounding epithelium, dominated the lips and anterior part of mouth, while Types III and IV, which end apically at the level with the epithelium, dominated the more posterior pharyngeal region. The highest number of TB, around 24,600, were found in Fowleria variegata, a typical nocturnal species, and the lowest in the diurnal and crepuscular Apogon cyanosoma (1,660) and Cheilodipterus quinquestriatus (2,400). Differences are also revealed in the type of dentition, such as on the vomer and epi-hypopharyngeal bones. The number of TB increased with growth of the fishes. The differences in the total number of TB and their distribution in the oropharyngeal cavity in the various species indicates possible different mechanisms of foraging and food-recognition.

SEM study of the oral cavity of members of the Kyphosidae and Girellidae (Pisces, Teleostei), with remarks on Crenidens (Sparidae), focusing on teeth and taste bud numbers and distribution.

The present study compares dental morphology and taste bud distribution in the oral cavity of four species of the teleost family Kyphosidae, five species of Girellidae and one species of Sparidae. Some of these species are predominantly herbivorous, while others are omnivorous with a high portion of invertebrates in their diets. All the kyphosids feature one row of frontal cusped teeth on their jaws and areas of miniature teeth on the tongue and palate; the girellid species feature 2-5 rows of denticulate teeth, and no teeth inside the oral cavity. The total number of taste buds in the oral cavity is higher in Girella spp. than in the kyphosids, and their number is species-specific, not correlated with fish size. For example, Kyphosus bigibbus of 500mm standard length bears 1780 taste buds, while the kyphosid Neoscorpis lithophilus of 80mm bears 3460. The maximum number of taste buds, 7900, is found in Girella punctata of 60mm standard length, and the minimum number, 1320, in Kyphosus vaigiensis of 175mm. The higher number of taste buds appears to characterize species that possess a more diversified diet. The present study contributes to our understanding of the differences between the two families Kyphosidae and Girellidae. In particular, it relates the eco-morphological adaptations to the type of diet consumed by the various species.

Gonad morphology, gametogenesis, and reproductive modes in fishes of the tribe Starksiini (Teleostei, Blenniiformes).

A comparative study of the reproductive organs in 17 of the 30 species of the tribe Starksiini (Labrisomidae, Blenniiformes) and related labrisomids reveals the major traits of gamete form and production and likely reproductive modes. The testes are of the lobular type and have a testicular gland and sperm ducts. Isodiametric sperm (aquasperm) with a globular head or anisodiametric sperm (introsperm) with an elongate head, or both, were observed in the studied species. Both types have either one or two flagella in the sperm tail. Ovaries of the Starksiini are bilobed and exhibit synchronous or asynchronous egg production. Although viviparity or "ovoviviparity" reportedly characterizes the group, our study revealed evidence of both internal and external fertilization and three modes of reproduction. External fertilization or ovuliparity is suggested for the Starksia atlantica and S. lepicoelia species complexes by the presence in males of a short genital papilla that is not reinforced through adhesion with the first anal-fin spine and by the absence of sperm within the ovaries. Internal fertilization and zygoparity is indicated for most species by the presence of an intromittent papilla in males that is adhered to the first anal-fin spine, "nests" of sperm within the ovaries, absence of embryos within the ovarian lamellae and usually thick egg envelopes bearing dense covers of adhesive filaments. Internal fertilization and embryoparity is indicated for starksia fulva and Xenomedea rhodopyga by an intromittent papilla that is adhered to the first anal-fin spine of males, anisodiametric sperm in males, delicate egg envelopes without adhesive filaments and developing embryos within follicular envelopes or within the follicle in females. Although many of these features are seen in the internally fertilizing clinid blennies, starksiins differ in retaining the testicular gland typical of labrisomids and in lacking sperm packaging typical of other internally fertilizing teleosts.

Comparison of the oropharyngeal cavity in the Starksiini (Teleostei: Blenniiformes: Labrisomidae): taste buds and teeth, including a comparison with closely-related genera.

The present study describes the distribution of taste buds and teeth in the oropharyngeal cavity of 13 species of adult (18-60 mm SL) Starksiini fishes inhabiting subtidal waters of the Neotropical region. Four types of taste buds described previously in other fish groups were observed within the oropharyngeal cavity, of which type I, situated on prominent protruding papillae, is the most common. The number of taste buds in this cavity varies considerably, ranging from ca. 202 in Starksia lepicoelia to ca. 770 in S. sluiteri. In all the studied species, taste buds are more numerous on the posterior (160-396) than on the anterior (42-294) part of the oropharyngeal cavity. The presence of different numbers of taste buds in different Starksiini species of the same standard length suggests that numbers of taste buds are not directly correlated with size and may be species-specific. Teeth are found on the premaxilla, dentary, vomer, palatine (in some species) and the upper and lower pharyngeal jaws (third pharyngobranchials and fifth ceratobranchials, respectively); the form and number of teeth and taste buds on each of these sites differs among the various species of Starksiini and between them and closely related species of the labrisomid tribes Labrisomini, Mnierpini, and Paraclinini. The results thus suggest potential systematic value in certain features of the oropharyngeal cavity for blenniiform fishes. It is also shown that benthic-feeding omnivorous fishes have higher densities of taste buds than piscivorous fishes. A possible correlation among numbers of taste buds, their positions in the oropharyngeal cavity, and other parameters is discussed.

Comparison of the effects of pollution on the marine bivalve Donax trunculus in the vicinity of polluted sites with specimens from a clean reference site (Mediterranean Sea).

The physiological and biochemical characteristics of tissue samples of the marine mussel, Donax trunculus, from an oil-polluted site (Qiryat Yam) and from a site adjacent to an industrial factory (Frutarom) producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were compared with samples from a clean reference site (Akko). All sites were located along the sandy shores of the Israeli Mediterranean Sea. The mussels from the oil-polluted site showed increased activity of the system of active transport of organic anions (SATOA) in the gills and the renocardial organ and also of the multixenobiotic resistance transporter (MXR) in the gills. In contrast, samples collected near the PVC factory showed a decrease in SATOA activity and no increase in the activity of MXR in the gills. Specimens from the reference site demonstrated a redox state of equilibrium between energy production and utilization, while in Donax from both the oil polluted and the PVC-polluted sites, the mitochondrial redox state reflected intensive consumption of energy. No significant changes were found in the activity of reduced glutathione s-transferase (GST) in the cytosolic fraction of the digestive gland of Donax collected from any of the three sites. The data demonstrate a differential increase in the anti-chemical defense systems and an intensification of energy metabolism in the mussels exposed to pollution.

Comparative spermatogenesis, spermatocytogenesis, and spermatozeugmata formation in males of viviparous species of clinid fishes (Teleostei: Clinidae, Blennioidei).

Spermatogenesis and spermatocytogenesis in 16 species of viviparous clinid fishes (Clinidae, Blennioidei) from various localities were followed for the first time by means of light and electron microscopy. The testes of the studied species are of the lobular type, with germinal stem cells situated at the apical ends of the lobules and a vas efferens along the internal margin. Maturation of the spermatides takes place in spermatocysts formed by Sertoli cells around the B-spermatogonia. The gradual condensation and relocation of the chromosomes along the nuclei membranes are highly prominent in this process, which can be divided into several stages. Anisodiametric and slightly flattened sperm heads are eventually formed, 0.4-0.5 microm in diameter and 7.5 +/- 1 microm long, bearing 80 +/- 15 microm long flagella. The sperms are packed into spermatozeugmata within the spermatocysts, enveloped and penetrated by the mucotic material of the Sertoli cells. With division of the germ cells and maturation of the spermatids, the spermatocyst dimensions increase, attaining 40 +/- 8 microm in diameter in the smaller species of Heteroclinus, and up to 90 +/- 10 microm in the larger males of Clinus superciliosus and C. cottoides. Accordingly, the volume of the maturing spermatocysts attains ca. 1,300 +/- 100 microm(3) in the smaller species, and ca. 6,500 +/- 300 microm(3) in the larger ones. As sperm head volume is ca. 2.24 microm(3), the number of sperm in the smallest mature spermatocysts reaches ca. 440 and in the largest over 2,900. Upon release from the cysts, the spermatozeugmata are transported along the sperm ducts to the posterior ampullae where they are stored in the epididymis. During copulation, the sperms are transported from there to the female via the intromittent organ. The sperm formation parameters and their structure and numbers are discussed.

Ontogenesis and functional metamorphosis of the head-kidney in bottomspawner and mouthbrooder cichlid fishes (Cichlidae, Teleostei).

Histological and electron-microscopical studies of the head-kidney ontogenesis in a group of bottomspawner and mouthbrooder cichlid fishes reveal that this organ undergoes three functional and structural stages. At the initial stage, 2-12 days after fertilization, the head-kidney is a filtering organ of two glomeruli and adjacent renal tubules; the second stage, beginning 12-30 days after fertilization, is a functionally mixed one, with the nephron and developing hemopoietic and endocrine, chromaffin, and interrenal cells; during the third stage, which begins 30-60 days after fertilization, the nephron degenerates, and the head-kidney starts functioning solely as a lympho-adrenal organ. With age the interrenal tissue expands, forming fields, especially along the blood vessels. The number of melano-macrophage centers progressively increases within the hemopoietic parts. Data are given on the various cell types, the reticuloendothelial stroma, and the renal part of this organ in various species. The earlier ontogenesis and function of the head-kidney, as thymus and other organs, in bottomspawner larvae compared to the more protected mouthbrooders provide support for earlier free functioning in a dangerous environment. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Morphological and functional body reconstruction in a teleost of the genus Oreochromis (Cichlidae).

The process of morphological and functional regeneration was followed on a tilapid fish, a cross of Oreochromis aureus × Oreochromis niloticus, by observations on movements and the use of X-rays. A four-year-old adult fish that lost its tail as post larva, including ten vertebrae, was able to reconstruct a novel and shorter central skeleton, including a specially modified urostyle. The enlarged and strengthened pterygiophores and their junctions with the dorsal and anal spine formed a fast-holding base for the fins, the posterior part of which largely performed the functions of the missing caudal fin. Although the fish was much shorter than usual, this male behaved and functioned normally. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Cytological and morphological ontogenesis and involution of the thymus in cichlid fishes (Cichlidae, Teleostei).

The ontogenesis and involution of thymus in cichlid fishes was studied with the aim of comparing development in the bottom-spawning species Tilapia zillii and T. tholloni, and in the mouth-brooding species Oreochromis auratus, O. niloticus, O. mossambicus, and Sarotherodon galilaeus. For comparison, data are also given on bottom-spawning Cichlasoma spp. from America and mouth-brooding Pseudotropheus auratus and Aulonocara nyassae from Africa. Developmental changes were followed histologically by means of light and electron microscopy of sections, beginning with embryos 24 h after fertilization, up to 14-year-old specimens of O. auratus. In all these fish, the anlagen of the thymus glands begins from the third and fourth gill pouches, and their development shows a high correlation with the pace of general organogenesis, which differs greatly in the bottom-spawning and mouth-brooding cichlids. In juveniles of bottom-spawners of 20-40 mm total length and in mouth-brooders of 40-60 mm total length, three cell types are present in the thymus: thymocytes, with large, dense nuclei; epitheliocytes, with long cell extensions containing bundles of tonofibrils; and reticulocytes, with short, granulated cell extensions. Hassall's corpuscles start to develop in larvae of T. zillii at 20-35 mm total length, and in specimens of 40 mm and more total length the corpuscles are typical, formed by inner and outer rings of epitheliocytes. At 30-45 mm total length, cell debris starts to accumulate in the interior of the corpuscles as an early sign of regression. As involution continues, macrophages accummulate within and around the Hassall's corpuscles. The epitheliocyte rings are eventually completely broken down. Isles of thymocytes persist in tilapias from the age of 1-14 years, but most of the thymus volume is occupied by blood lacunae and pigmented macrophage aggregations. The morphology is similar in the mouth-brooding species Pseudotropheus beginning at 1.5 years of age. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Observations on the Oman Shark, Iago omanensis (Triakidae), with emphasis on the morphological and cytological changes of the oviduct and yolk sac during gestation.

The shark Iago omanensis (Triakidae, Selachia) is encountered in large populations in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, at depths of 150-1,500 m. It is a placental viviparous species, reproductive all year round and giving birth to four (occasionally five) young of 170- to 180-mm total length (TL). Its distribution and morphometrics, as well as histological and cytological changes in the oviducts, were studied. The ratio of weight of the female genital organs to body weight changes from 0.7% in nongravid females to 19.8% in the final stages of pregnancy. The ripe, liberated eggs, which are 11-12 mm long and 5 mm wide, pass through the nidamental gland and settle in the uterus. The embryo attains 9- to 11-mm TL and settles on a protruding ridge of the submucosa, covered with a microvillar endometrium. At this site of attachment, a placenta is formed and the participating uterine endometrium and wall of the yolk sac undergo profound histocytological changes, forming two parts of this organ. Three forms of food provisioning occur in the growing embryos: (1) lecithotrophic, based on yolk transported from the egg to the embryonic gut via the umbilical cord; (2) mixed food provision, during which, in addition to nourishment provided via the umbilicus, food is transported across the placenta through transfer from the female blood vascular system to the embryonic yolk sac via the trophic villi of the yolk sac; and (3) histotrophic, when all yolk reserves have been used and nutrition is provided from the so-called "milk" within the yolk sac, metabolized by the trophic structures of the sac and transported by blood vessels. Despite the gradual utilization of yolk, the yolk sac mass initially increases from 0.5-1.0 cc to 2.0-2.2 cc with the addition of primary and secondary trophic villi until, during the final stages of embryogenesis, it decreases again to 1.4-1.6 cc. Neonate juveniles are 35-40 times heavier than the original eggs. J. Morphol. 236:151-165, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.