Scale morphology of Priacanthus hamrur (Forsskal, 1775) from veraval harbor, Gujarat, India

Abstract

In present study, scale morphology and microstructure of Priacanthus hamrur from Veraval harbour, Gujarat, India was studied with using of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). To examine certain features on scale surface, scales from three body regions (Head scale, Belly scale and Caudal scale) were removed, cleaned and prepared for SEM analysis. The spinoid type cycloid scale recorded all over body, which is characteristics of this fish scale. Variation also recorded in scale shape, focus location, circuli shape and width, inter-circular space, minute dentition on circuli, granulation pattern on posterior field, presence of spine on posterior field. Absence of radii on anterior field of scale is considered as additional feature of this fish scale. In addition to qualitative and quantitative characteristics, the J-indices also employed to study relative scale size. The study concluded this scale microstructure can provide useful taxonomic information and had an immense utility in systematic classification of any fish species.