MORPHOMETRICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM IN SCOMBER JAPONICUS

Document Type : Novel Research Articles

Abstract

Chub mackerel Scomber japonicus (Scombridae) is a pelagic species that inhabits warm and temperate coastal waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Morphometrical and histological study of the digestive system of Scomber japonicus, are described based on 32 specimens (average length 215.88 - 357.63 mm) collected from landing site at coast of Mukalla (Gulf of Aden). External morphometrical parameters as well as internal morphometrical measurements of weights were taken and data were recorded in tables and expressed as linear curves and histograms. Histological sections were processed and studied using a light microscope and images were taken, then analyzed and described. The results showed nearly equal lengths of body and alimentary canal is longer than body cavity length represented by snout- vent length. This can be related to the coiling aspect of the intestine. This study may help us to characterize the alimentary canal of S. japonicus as a type that belong to omnivorous mode of nutrition.

Keywords

Main Subjects