Abstract

The fine structure of germ cells from the pinfish, L. rhomboides, is described. Mature pinfish testis were fixed in phosphate buffered glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide and examined with electron microscopy. Spermatogenesis in L. rhomboides is similar to other teleosts and resembles spermatogenesis in mammals. Germ cells proliferate from the walls of seminiferous-like tubules in the normal mitotic and meiotic sequence common to all vertebrates. Spermatogenesis in Lagodon occurs within cysts created by cyst epithelial or Sertoli cell homologues. Germ cells progress through the maturation cycle with all cells in the same stage of development. Cyst epithelial cells maintain the germinal environment and phagocytize cast out debris from maturing germ cells. Attention is being given to the morphological processes involved in cellular organization, growth and differentiation in normal and abnormal development. Ultra-structural studies of fish reproductive systems could give researchers and aquaculturists better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for important fishery related phenomenon such as hybrid vigor, sterility, early stage survival and population stability.

Notes

Teleosts have germinal cyst formations along the walls of the seminiferous-like tubules in the testis but mammals do not. It is not yet known from whence germ cells in the fish testis come. Late spermatids are in association with the cyst epithelial cell at all times.

The electron microscope can go a step further than the light microscope to give a better view of the mechanisms occurring.

Pinfish are pests. They always end up on one's hook when one goes fishing.