MORPHOLOGY AND INNERVATION OF THE LATERAL LINE SYSTEM IN SAROTHERODON-NILOTICUS (L) (CICHLIDAE, TELEOSTEI)

Topography, morphology, and innervation of superficial neuromasts and canal neuromast in adult bony fishes of Sarotherodon niloticus (L.) were studied and compared by light and electron microscopical methods. Apart from certain other morphological differences the two neuromast types also differ in innervation. They can be distinguished by the number, course, and ending of the myelin sheath of their corresponding nerve fibers. All superficial neuromasts arranged in one row are interconnected by a so-called connecting strand. This tissue, unlike the epidermis, consists of tightly packed cells the external membranes of which are considerably meshed. The tissue of the connecting strand does not contain neuronal structures. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.