| Popis: |
The osteology and myology of the pelvic girdle in a deep sea ateleopodiform fish, Ateleopus japonicus, were studied. The pelvic girdle is characterized by four unique features : (1) a pelvis that consists of a cartilaginous plate with a pair of large openings, (2) a pelvic fin that is thread-like owning to a greatly elongated first fin ray and subsequent rays that are concealed under the skin, (3) a greater number of muscles inserted on the first pelvic ray than in other teleosts, and (4) a pelvis that supports fin rays laterally, allowing muscles to insert on the first pelvic ray both anteriorly and posteriorly. The latter three characteristics suggest that the pelvic fin of A.japonicus is highly flexible and mobile. As demonstrated in other fishes with thread-like pelvic fins, this fin may not function in swimming, but may function in other actions such an searching for prey or signaling. |
