The occurrence, structure, and development of microbranchiospines among the tilapias (Cichlidae: Tilapiini)

Abstract

The microbranchiospine morphology in a range of tilapiine species belonging to the three principal genera (Oreochromis, Sarotherodon, and Tilapia) was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. The structure and development of the microbranchiospines is described in detail; significant differences in presence, number, and morphology are observed between species and between size classes. The systematic value of microbranchiospines is also briefly discussed.