Morphology and morphometry of buccopharyngeal cavity and pharyngeal dental apparatus of Chagunius chagunio (Hamilton 1822)

Abstract

Introduction: Adaptation in morphological and functional aspects of feeding organs is one ofthe key features in the process of biological evolution. Chagunius chagunio represent remarkable specialization and generalization in their buccopharyngeal cavity. Materials and Methods: The samples ranging from 125-190 mm to study the general shape and size of different subdivisions of buccopharyngeal cavity. Results: Buccopharyngeal cavity measures 32.34± 2.95 mm in length and 15.3±2.96 mm in width. Sickle shaped pharyngeal arch measures 14.52±1.2mm in length and 3.52±0.74 mm in width with dental formula 5,3 2-2, 3,5. Conclusion: The minor carp, Chagunius chagunio has been poorly described in literature. It inhabits fast flowing water, have buccopharyngeal cavity with filter feeding modification as in H. molitrix and H. nobilis with spoon shaped pharyngeal teeth However, It has been described in literature that this fish feed on molluscan larvae.

Keywords

Chagunius chagunio - morphology - pharyngeal arch - pharyngeal teeth