ALKALINE-PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN THE SKIN OF THE COMMON GOBY, POMATOSCHISTUS-MICROPS (KROYER), IN RELATION TO CYCLES IN SCALE AND BODY GROWTH

A histochemical study of the distribution of alkaline phosphatase in the skin of the Common goby, Pomatoschistus microps, showed that the enzyme is present in the dermis, not in the epithelium, and is more pronounced around the growing edge of the scale and below the fibrillary plate. The intensity of the enzyme reaction is higher in regenerated scales. In conjunction with the phenology of P. microps, a method was adopted to measure the enzyme activity in the skin, including scales, for successive months over a period of two years. Enzyme activity displayed seasonal fluctuations which were closely related to both body and scale growth. Enzyme activity also reflected other phenological cycles during the life‐span of P. microps. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved