A study on the vascularization and structure of the epidermis of the air-breathing mudskipper, Periophthalmus magnuspinnatus (Gobiidae, Teleostei), along different parts of the body

Abstract

Summary A histological study on the epidermis of eight body regions, five fins and the sucking disc was performed on the mudskipper, Periophthalmus magnuspinnatus. The study aimed to determine the role of the skin in respiration and to assess which region of the skin was most effective. The structure of the epidermis, consisting of the superficial layer, middle layer and the stratum germinativum, was the same in all regions. Large numbers of blood capillaries were situated at the superficial layer and occasionally at the middle layer. The mean diffusion distance between the capillary endothelial cells and the surface of the epidermis ranged from 2.6 to 15.4 μm: the lowest value was on the back (mean 2.0 μm) and the highest value was at the base of the anal fin (mean 15.4 μm). Relative surface area of respiratory epithelium in 14 regions was highest in the 1st and 2nd dorsal fins with a thinner epidermis and a lower diffusion distance (mean value 3.2% and 2.5% respectively), whereas the lowest was found at the base of the anal fin (mean 0.7%). Among the 14 regions of the epidermis, it can be surmised that the two dorsal fins toward the upper region may often be more exposed to air and for longer time periods than the other body regions during the amphibious life phase of Periophthalmus magnuspinnatus.