An Electronmicroscopic Study of the Lateral Line Organ of the Guppy, Poecilia reticulatus var

Abstract

We examined the infrastructure of the lateral line of the guppy, Poecilia reticulatus var. by using both scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The neuromast was seen to be composed of receptor cells, supporting cells and mantle cells. The receptor cell has one kinocilium and approximately 29 stereocilia. Two kinds of nerve endings were found in the basal portion of the receptor cells. These two types of nerve endings were similar to the efferent and afferent nerves reported previously. The cytoplasm of the supporting cells contains numerous mitochondria, filaments and melanin-like granules. The lateral wall of the neuromast is covered by a few layers of crescent-shaped mantle cells.

Key Words:

• lateral line organ
• guppy
• neuromast
• electron microscopy