Scanning electron microscopy of scales in cyprinid fish,Alburnoides bipunctatus (Blotch, 1782)

The normal and lateral line cycloid scales of a cyprinid fish; Alburnoides bipunctatus (Blotch, 1782) have been subjected to SEM to study their detailed structure. It shows the general architectural pattern of a cycloid cyprinid scale. The focus of the scale is clear and sharp located in the anterior field. Circuli are observed in all fields. Primary radii which originate from very near the focus divide the posterior field of scale into compartments. Originating far away from the focus, the secondary radii are seen. But the tertiary radii are few. The anterior radii are absent. Lepidonts (teeth-like structures) are absent or are very week on the circuli. Tubercles (granules) at the posterior filed of scale are not well developed. Many resorbtion regions are seen on the scale. Presence of a long, straight, S-shape or J-shape central canal originating from the upper margin of anterior region which in most cases extending down to the posterior margin is characteristic feature of lateral line scale. The architectural specification of scales such as focus shape and position, circuli, chromatophore, lepidonts and lateral line canal might be used as important taxonomic tools.