The Integument and Caudal Filament of the Shovelnose Sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus platorynchus

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Abstract
Scutes and denticles of the shovelnose sturgeon (S. platorynchus) are formed of cellular, laminated bone derived from the periosteum. The original squamation of acipenserids was probably a complete armor of diamond-shaped scales which, through regression of bone, became reduced over much of the body and resculptured for specialization. The epidermis contains few mucous gland cells and the dermis is composed of highly oriented, large, parallel, collagenous fibers. Numerous surface pits over the head have a ciliated epithelium. They are not connected to the lateral line. The pits resemble the Lorenzinian ampullae of elasmobranchs and are probably electroreceptors of the ampullary tonic type. The caudal filament is an attenuation of the caudal lobe surrounded with scutes, and containing vertebral elements, an epdenymal tube, longitudinal nerves and lateral lines and pores. The filament probably serves to orient the young fish to laminar flow of water.

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