Abstract
The freshwater fish fauna of Greece is a diverse assemblage of mediterranean, Ponto‐Caspian, and endemic western Greek elements. In the last category, a gobiid from Epirus has been found to possess a dermal perianal organ unique among teleosts, as well as systematic features warranting recognition of a new genus, Economidichthys gen. nov. (type‐species Gobius pygmaeus Holly, 1929). The perianal organ is a sharply‐demarcated, pitted area on the rear abdomen. Light‐and electron‐microscopy has revealed numerous specialized microvillous cells lining the pits and evidently secretory in function. Presence of the organ in both sexes, its ventral position and the secretory activity originally suggested an attachment role rather than involvement in reproduction, but obvious correlation with habitat is lacking and alternative functions are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
