A Histological Study of the Skin of the Dorsal and Ventral Areas of the Flounder Boleophthalmus dussumieri (Teleostei: Oxudercidae) in Khor Musa (Northwest of the Persian Gulf)

Mudskippers are members of the Oxudercidae family and are amphibious fishes that are able to spend long periods out of water. In the present study, Boleophthalmus dussumieri was sampled from Petroshimi and Jafari stations. In order to perform histological studies, the samples (3 males and females from each station) were anesthetized and fixed in Boyne's fixative solution in accordance with biological ethical principles. Then, tissue sectioning and H&E staining were done. Observations by light microscope showed that the epidermis consists of a corresponding epithelium consisting of three cell layers. The dermis of the skin consists of thick collagen fibers and many blood capillaries. In some areas, protrusions from the dermis enter the epidermis, which are called dermal protrusions. There was a significant difference in the thickness of the epidermis layer in males and females. It was 87.97 microns in females and 74.32 microns in males. Based on the amphibian way of life of slugs, in species that are more hydrophilic, the upper and middle parts of the body, which are often exposed to air, have smaller amounts of diffusion distance. Therefore, it can be expected that air absorption through the skin in B. dussumieri takes place more in the upper part of the body than in the lower part or appendages.