A Histological Study of the Development of the Scales of the Largemouth Black Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

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Abstract
1. The scale method of age determination in largemouth black bass, Micropterus salmoides, is valid at least up to and probably including the third year of the fish's life. A more careful study of older fish might reveal that it was valid beyond that point. 2. The annulus in a largemouth black bass is formed by a brief but gradual slowing down of growth and then its quick resumption. The annulus appears as a wide band on the anterior edge of the scale, and as a dark line (circulus) cutting across some inner dark lines (also circuli) on the lateral edges. 3. The scale is mesodermal in origin, and lies in a pocket surrounded by dermal tissue, which in turn is covered externally by a thin layer of epidermis. 4. The bony layer is formed by osteoblastic cells on its outer surface in a manner similar to the formation of dermal bone. Excess bony material is accumulated in ridges or circuli. 5. The fibrillary plate is formed by the fibroblastic cells on its inner surface.

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