Posters
Functional Morphology of Y-Bones in Esocid Fishes
Location
Hall Memorial Ballroom
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Start Date
4-4-2018 12:00 PM
Department
Biological Science
Abstract
Functional Morphology of Y-Bones in Esocid Fishes
Michael Rush & Takashi Maie, Ph.D.
Abstract
Intermuscular bones, commonly referred to as Y bones or pin bones, are ossified segments of ligaments found in the myosepta of most teleost fishes. These bones are attached to the vertebrae in two locations between neural arches and centra, and thus, form a forked (y-shaped) configuration. Esocid species (pickerel and pike) have sets of well-ossified intermuscular bones along their vertebral columns. In this study, we examined grass pickerel (Esox americanus vermiculatus) and northern pike (E. lucius) that are known to present a difference in the y-bone arrangement using a series of dissections and the clear-and-staining technique. Both E. americanus vermiculatus and E. lucius are freshwater fish, commonly found in clear, slow flowing waters with thick vegetation. E. lucius grow much larger than E. americanus vermiculatus and are apex predators, while E. americanus vermiculatus are lower predators in the ecosystem. We discuss the functional implications of how these intermuscular bones are arranged in relation to ecology and behavior of these esocid species. Our experimental results provide insight into function and evolution of intermuscular bones in teleosts.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Takashi Maie, Ph.D.
Rights Statement
The right to download or print any portion of this material is granted by the copyright owner only for personal or educational use. The author/creator retains all proprietary rights, including copyright ownership. Any editing, other reproduction or other use of this material by any means requires the express written permission of the copyright owner. Except as provided above, or for any other use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, §107 U.S.C.), you may not reproduce, republish, post, transmit or distribute any material from this web site in any physical or digital form without the permission of the copyright owner of the material.
Functional Morphology of Y-Bones in Esocid Fishes
Hall Memorial Ballroom
Functional Morphology of Y-Bones in Esocid Fishes
Michael Rush & Takashi Maie, Ph.D.
Abstract
Intermuscular bones, commonly referred to as Y bones or pin bones, are ossified segments of ligaments found in the myosepta of most teleost fishes. These bones are attached to the vertebrae in two locations between neural arches and centra, and thus, form a forked (y-shaped) configuration. Esocid species (pickerel and pike) have sets of well-ossified intermuscular bones along their vertebral columns. In this study, we examined grass pickerel (Esox americanus vermiculatus) and northern pike (E. lucius) that are known to present a difference in the y-bone arrangement using a series of dissections and the clear-and-staining technique. Both E. americanus vermiculatus and E. lucius are freshwater fish, commonly found in clear, slow flowing waters with thick vegetation. E. lucius grow much larger than E. americanus vermiculatus and are apex predators, while E. americanus vermiculatus are lower predators in the ecosystem. We discuss the functional implications of how these intermuscular bones are arranged in relation to ecology and behavior of these esocid species. Our experimental results provide insight into function and evolution of intermuscular bones in teleosts.