Histological organization of head skin in the female Devario regina (Fowler, 1934),

Abstract

Head skin histology in ornamental species, female Devario regina (n = 10) living in Tapee River, Thailand was investigated both characterization and cell compositions using Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining method. As to our knowledge, the skin organization in this species was composed of five layers: cuticle, epidermis, basement membrane, dermis and hypodermis, respectively. The epidermis was lined by stratified epitheliums, which can be also classified into three sub-layers: stratum basal, fusiform and cuticular layers. Among the epidermal layer, the mucous secreting cell was seen and located in the proximal region, which positively stained with Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS). The dermis was seen beneath the epidermis with composing of two sub-layers: stratum spongiosum and stratum compactum. Lastly, thin layer of hypodermis in skin histology was also observed in this species. Although, this information provides as preliminary study, it could be further applied to other studies of D. regina.