Skeletal structure of trunk and tail of black ghost fish (Apteronotus albifrons) using radiographic images

Black knife fish (Apteronotus albifrons), is belonged to Apteronotidae and its mainhabitat is the Amazon River in South America. This species is able to generate a weakelectric current in its caudal peduncle. The purpose of this study was to investigatethe skeletal structure of the black ghost fish, using non-lethal method of radiology.In total, four specimens of black ghost (apparently healthy) were prepared from thesupply centers of ornamental fish in Tehran. Then they were sent alive to theradiology department of veterinary medicine faculty, University of Tehran. Theywere anesthetized using a dose of 100 ppm PI222, and then X-rayed (lateral anddorsoventral projection using mamograph films, digital Samples). The resultsshowed that the black ghost possess 75-63 vertebrae, 75-63 neural spines, the numberof blood brushed: 60-48, the number of soft rays of anal fin: 180-170, Pterygoid analfin: 180-170, the number of ribs: 13 pcs. The Chennai also has a leaf-shaped bag thatstarts from fourth rib. Finally, the bevel rib is in the bottom of the swimming bladder.Bloody spine is begun from 15th rib and between bloody spines, there are 3-2Pterygoid. Using radiology as a non-invasive and non-fatal for anatomical studies,particularly in studies of bone is very helpful and useful, and in the case of expensiveand rare fish is a great way for normal anatomical studies.

Keywords:

Black Ghost , Radiology , Anatomy , Anesthesia , Skeletons