Fin Web Research Articles

Fin ray patterns at the fin-to-limb transition

The fin-to-limb transition was marked by the origin of digits and the loss of dermal fin rays. Paleontological research into this transformation has focused on the evolution of the endoskeleton, with little attention paid to fin ray structure and function. To address this knowledge gap, we study the dermal rays of the pectoral fins of 3 key tetrapodomorph taxa-Sauripterus taylori (Rhizodontida), Eusthenopteron foordi (Tristichopteridae), and Tiktaalik roseae (Elpistostegalia)-using computed tomography. These data show several trends in the lineage leading to digited forms, including the consolidation of fin rays (e.g., reduced segmentation and branching), reduction of the fin web, and unexpectedly, the evolution of asymmetry between dorsal and ventral hemitrichia. In Eusthenopteron, dorsal rays cover the preaxial endoskeleton slightly more than ventral rays. In Tiktaalik, dorsal rays fully cover the third and fourth mesomeres, while ventral rays are restricted distal to these elements, suggesting the presence of ventralized musculature at the fin tip analogous to a fleshy "palm." Asymmetry is also observed in cross-sectional areas of dorsal and ventral rays. Eusthenopteron dorsal rays are slightly larger than ventral rays; by contrast, Tiktaalik dorsal rays can be several times larger than ventral rays, and degree of asymmetry appears to be greater at larger sizes. Analysis of extant osteichthyans suggests that cross-sectional asymmetry in the dermal rays of paired fins is plesiomorphic to crown group osteichthyans. The evolution of dermal rays in crownward stem tetrapods reflects adaptation for a fin-supported elevated posture and resistance to substrate-based loading prior to the origin of digits.

Resurrection and Redescription of the Southern Dogfish Squalus probatovi (Squalidae), a Valid Species from Angola

Squalus probatovi, a medium size dogfish species originally from Angolan waters, is resurrected as a valid species and redescribed herein based on morphological characters. This species has been misidentified with S. megalops, S. acutipinnis and S. blainvillei due to confused and concise original description and lack of comparative scrutiny with congeners on later taxonomic accounts. Squalus probatovi is sympatric with S. acanthias, S. blainvillei, S. acutipinnis, S. lalannei, S. mahia, S. margaretsmithae, and S. bassi in the Eastern Atlantic and Western Indian Oceans. The Southern dogfish is characterized by having body bluish dark grey, head small, dorsal-fin spines short, pectoral fins narrow with free rear tips rounded, and caudal fin with narrow lobes and pointed caudal tips, snout moderately short with prenarial length slightly greater than inner nostril-labial furrow space, dermal denticles tricuspid and rhomboid, and high number of total vertebrae (118–124). It differs from its regional congeners by having origin of first dorsal fin located over vertical traced at origin of pectoral fins (vs. posterior to origin of pectoral fins), and dorsal fins upright and slender at fin web (vs. prone and broad at fin web, except for S. mahia). The taxonomic status of S. probatovi and morphological comparisons with regional and other similar species are discussed. An identification key to species of Squalus that occurs in African waters is also provided.

Variation in flexural stiffness of the lepidotrichia within and among the soft fins of yellow perch under different preservation techniques.

Although the ray-finned fishes are named for their bony, segmented lepidotrichia (fin rays), we are only beginning to understand the morphological and functional diversity of this key vertebrate structure. Fin rays support the fin web, and their material properties help define the function of the entire fin. Many earlier studies of fin ray morphology and function have focused on isolated rays, or on rays from only one or two fins. At the same time, relatively little is known about how different preservation techniques affect the material properties of many vertebrate structures, including fin rays. Here, we use three-point bending tests to examine intra- and inter-fin variation in the flexural stiffness of fin rays from yellow perch, Perca flavescens. We sampled fin rays from individuals that were assigned to one of three preservation treatments: fresh, frozen, and preserved with formalin. The flexural stiffness of the fin rays varied within and among fins. Pelvic-fin rays were the stiffest, and pectoral fin rays the least stiff. The fin rays of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins all had similar stiffness values, which were intermediate relative to those from the paired fins. The flexural stiffness of the fin rays was higher in rays that were at the leading edge of the fin. This variation in flexural stiffness was associated with variation in joint density and the relative length of the unsegmented proximal base of the fin rays. There was no significant difference in flexural stiffness between fresh and frozen specimens. In specimens preserved with formalin, there is a small but significant effect on stiffness in smaller fin rays.

Diffusion welding of structures made of titanium and aluminium alloys using the superplasticity effect

Investigations were carried out into the ductility properties of a number of titanium alloys in heating from 750 to 1050°C and ATs5K5 and AMts aluminium alloys. The extreme temperature ranges with increased ductility are determined. The conditions of diffusion welding of T-joints in alloys are determined to produce joints without visible defects with the simultaneous formation of a smooth transition (fillet) in the fin–web section. Examples of a number of welded joints are discussed.

Functional implications of morphological specializations among the pectoral fin rays of the benthic longhorn sculpin

Fin ray structure in ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) largely defines fin function. Fin rays convert the muscle activity at the base of the fin to shape changes throughout the external fin web. Despite their critical functional significance, very little is known about the relationship between form and function in this key vertebrate structure. In this study we demonstrate that morphological specializations of the pectoral fin rays of the benthic longhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus octodecimspinosus) have specific functional consequences both within and among individual rays. The fin rays of longhorn sculpin have an elongate unjointed region with a cylindrical shape in cross-section proximally, and are jointed with a crescent-shaped cross-section distally. Variation in the relative length of the proximal versus distal regions affects the location of maximum curvature as well as the mean curvature along the length of individual rays. We experimentally manipulated fin rays to mimic the differential muscle activity that generates curvature of fin rays in living animals. We found that the shape of the fin rays in cross-section affects their curvature. Among fin rays, the most ventral fin rays with relatively longer proximal unjointed regions have a more distal location of maximum curvature. These ventral rays also have higher mean curvature, likely because of a combination of features including the cross-sectional shape, area and diameter of the distal segments as well as their relative size and number, which were not examined in detail here. Because these rays are used routinely for substrate contact, this higher curvature could contribute to increased flexibility for substrate contact behaviors such as clinging or gripping the substrate. These morphological and functional differences among fin rays are correlated with the functional regionalization of the fin. Specifically, the ventral fin rays that are used during substrate contact are more stiff proximally and more highly curved distally than the pectoral rays in the dorsal region, which are longer and used during slow swimming. This study highlights the importance of examining morphological and functional variation both within and among complex structures such as fin rays.

On the tail ofErrivaspisand the condition of the caudal fin in heterostracans

AbstractArticulated caudal fins of heterostracans are preserved in very rare cases. Their morphology and internal structure are completely unknown for the majority of species. One of the few preserved caudal fins belongs to the Early Devonian pteraspididErrivaspis waynensisfrom the Welsh Borderland, UK. There are two different reconstructions of the tail: (1) strongly asymmetric, with a considerably longer ventral lobe, and a rather concave posterior margin (e.g. White 1935); and (2) almost symmetrical with an only slightly longer ventral lobe and a small notch in the posterior margin (e.g.Blieck 1984). A new reconstruction of theErrivaspiscaudal fin, based on a detailed study of White's specimens is presented here. The ventral lobe is longer than the dorsal one but not so much as in White's reconstruction, and the notch in the posterior margin of the fin is less deep. The comparatively massive ventral lobe and ‘en echelon’ arrangement of three digitations, supporting the fin web and branching off from this lobe, indicate the hypocercal condition of the asymmetrical tail. The same internal structure is present in other heterostracans with nearly symmetrical caudal fins (e.g.Doryaspis,Nahanniaspis,DinaspidellaandAthenaegis) where all, or most, of the intermediate digitations branch off from the ventral lobe.

Anatomy of the early Devonian acanthodian Brochoadmones milesi based on nearly complete body fossils, with comments on the evolution and development of paired fins

ABSTRACT New anatomical details are described for the acanthodian Brochoadmones milesi based on nearly complete body fossils from Lochkovian rocks at MOTH, Mackenzie Mountains, Northwest Territories, Canada. The body and caudal peduncle are deep, and a prominent nuchal hump is present before the dorsal fin origin. The caudal fin is correspondingly deep and ventrally, the caudal fin lies close to and is partly joined to the slender anal fin. A delicate pectoral fin trails the flattened pectoral-fin spine where previously known specimens showed only a fin spine resembling a bivalve shell. Seen for the first time in any vertebrate, each of the six pairs of prepelvic spines supports a small, scale-covered finlet. Both prepelvic spines and scale-covered finlets increase in size posteriorly. The series of paired prepelvic finlets originates ventral to the branchial chamber and anteroventral to the pectoral fin, and extends posteriorly as far as the pelvic fins. The scales of the body and fins are thin and flat, without obvious evidence of ossified basal tissue or entry point for vascular tissue. The main lateral-line canal passes dorsal to the branchial chamber and terminates at the trailing edge of the caudal fin web. Lateral-line scales are thicker than body scales and show concentric growth zones. Scales from the dorsal midline of the caudal fin are also thicker, showing few superpositional growth zones in the mesodentine of the crown together with what appears to be cellular basal tissue. The structure and position of the pectoral spine and fin, the extremely thin body scales, the slender anal fin, and the prepelvic finlets are all unique and appear to be autapomorphic features compared to those of other acanthodians. Brochoadmones milesi is derived relative to other fishes traditionally classified in the Climatiiformes. Kathemacanthus rosulentus is removed from the Brochoadmonoidei, leaving only B. milesi in a monotypic suborder.

Regeneration in Salaria pavo (Blenniidae, Teleostei). Histogenesis of the regenerating pectoral fin suggests different mechanisms for morphogenesis and structural maintenance.

The pectoral fin of blennies is differentiated into a dorsal field and a ventral hook field. A histogenetic analysis of the regenerating pectoral fin was related to two questions. First, are histological specializations of the hook field responsible for the impairment of the regenerative capacity of pectoral fins of blennies? Second, can analysis of the temporal sequence of histogenetic events be used to make testable predictions about the tissue interactions required to re-establish the adult pattern? Regeneration of pectoral fins was examined in Salaria pavo (Blenniidae, Teleostei). Approximately 80% of the length of the fin rays was amputated. Fin ray stumps were evaluated 7, 14, 24, 48 and 72 h after amputation, regenerates 4, 5, and 6 days after amputation and at length of about 30%, 50% and 60% regeneration of the original fin length. The regeneration process is subdivided into four stages: wound healing, blastema formation, fin ray formation and distal outgrowth and differentiation of hook characters. Analysis of the early events of regeneration, wound healing, blastema formation and distal outgrowth, yielded no profound differences from those of conventional fins in general. Impairment of regenerative capacity becomes manifested before histological differentiation of hook characters, and it is thus unlikely that their presence is the proximate cause of heteromorphic regeneration. The sequence in which the anatomical specializations characteristic of fin hooks (lepidotrichal cord, cuticle, fin web regression) appear was variable. Detailed analysis of older regenerates revealed a more regular pattern. In the first phase the characters appear to be largely independently organized, while they become locally correlated later. It is concluded that the anatomical differentiation passes through two stages, initiation of anatomical differentiation, and then mutual adjustment of character expression leading to spatially correlated expression of the lepidotrichal cord, the cuticle and the fin web regression.

Epigenetic control of pectoral fin web shape inLipophrys canevae (Blennidae, Teleostei)

Between the lower pectoral fin rays ofL. canevae the fin web shows a saw-like regression. Hypermorphic fin web growth can be induced by fin ray amputation distal to the site of fin web attachment, but not by injuring the fin web alone.

Micro‐anatomy of the pectoral fin in blennies (Blenniini, Blennioidea, Teleostei)

Blennioid fishes show a highly differentiated pectoral fin, which they use to cling to the substrate. The lower part of the pectoralis, comprising about four to six fin rays, forms a hook‐field with specific anatomical features: (1) the rim of the fin web has a saw‐like appearance, because it extends from the tip of a fin ray to the shaft ofthe upper of two neighbouring fin rays, (2) the outer half of the bony fin ray carries a lepidotrichal cord composed of fibrocytes, collagen, elastic fibres and acidic GAGS, (3) the epidermis overlying the lepidotrichal cord is differentiated in terms of cyto‐architecture and forms a conspicuous cuticle. The upper part of the pectoral fin does not show any obvious specializations and is used for swimming and undulation. The vascularization of the fin originates from a stem vessel which gives rise to five branches, each supplying two or three neighbouring fin rays. Each fin ray is accompanied by a single arterial vessel at its upper edge. No vessels are found in the space between the bony fin ray halves. The morphology of the shoulder girdle and pectoral fin shows only little variation among the four species of Blenniini studied. Most remarkable is the fusion of the coracoid with the cleithrum, loss of one element of the suspensorium and the absence of branched fin rays. The possible relevance of the Blennioid pectoral fin as a model for the origin of morphological novelties in connection with functional specializations is discussed.

Morphology and histology of the anterior dorsal fin of Gaidropsarus mediterraneus (Pisces Teleostei), a specialized sensory organ

The morphology and fine structure of the vibratile anterior dorsal fin of the rockling Gaidropsarus mediterraneus are described. 60–80 fin rays project as a fringe from a reduced fin web; their lateral movement maintains the fin in almost constant rapid undulation, at a frequency of 3–4 beats per second. The fin can be laid back and with-drawn into a groove. Erector and depressor muscles, which are histologically distinct, move each ray. The fin support is modified, incorporating elastic cartilage, and enclosed in a capsule of collagenous connective tissue. The epidermis at the frontal and caudal aspect of each ray contains numerous receptor cells, over 100,000 per mm2, which have an apical microvillus and synaptic connections with nerve fibres. The recurrent facial nerve sends a major branch to the dorsal fins, which is joined by dorsal ramuli of spinal nerves. It is calculated that there are three to six million receptor cells on the vibratile fin and in the epidermis of the dorsal groove, in individuals of average size. Taste buds do not occur in the skin of the groove, contrary to a previous report, nor on the vibratile fin rays, although they are present on the prominent most anterior fin ray and elsewhere on the fins and barbels. The undulatory motion of the fin draws sea water towards and through the vibratile rays and backwards as a perceptible current. The fin constitutes a specific sensory organ, a water sampler, peculiar to this rockling and related species.

Ultrastructural studies of normal skin and epidermal papillomas of the flathead sole, Hippoglossoides elassodon.

Epidermal cells of normal fin web and of the epidermal papilloma of the flathead sole, Hippoglossoides elassodon, were compared by light and electron microscopy. The predominant cells of normal epidermis are squamous and are characterized by complex microvillous interdigitations between adjacent cells, numerous desmosome-like structures, terminal bars, prominent cytoplasmic filaments, and blunt, broad-based microvilli on the outer (free) surfaces of the superficial cells. The less numerous mucous cells of normal epidermis possess abundant ergastoplasm and mucus-filled vacuoles, but lack desmosome-like structures and cytoplasmic filaments.