The regeneration capacity of caudal fin in the common tooth-carp, Aphanius dispar (Rüppell, 1829) (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae)

Regeneration ability is known for several Actinopterygii or ray-finned fishes. In order to assess the universality of regenerative potencies in this group of fishes, we have examined for the first time, caudal fin regeneration in tooth-carp, Aphanius dispar (Rüppell, 1829). The caudal fin is used because of its accessibility, simple structure and fast regeneration. The results revealed the regeneration ability in caudal fin of A. dispar. The initiation of the regenerative outgrowth was differing in three examined water temperatures. It is started approximately 5 days post amputation (5 dpa) at room temperature, and 2 dpa at 25°С and 28°С. Our finding indicates that water temperature more than 25°С promotes procedure in caudal fin regeneration of A. dispar. By considering the high regeneration ability in A. dispar, and also the relatively short life span of the members of the genus Aphanius, we concluded that these fishes could probably be used in regeneration researches. However, details of this mechanism in Aphanius need further examinations.