Surface pits in the family esocidae. I. Structure and types

Abstract

In Esox americanus and Esox niger (Esocidae) there are two types of surface pits, sensory and nonsensory. Both types of pits are morphologically very similar and are associated with modified (cardioid) scales. The pits are distinguished by the presence and absence respectively of neuromasts. Ultrastructure of the neuromasts indicates that they are basically similar to previously described neuromasts. However, the hair cells have crystalline‐like deposits in the nuclear region. The nonsensory pit contains a small group of distinct epidermal cells, called central cells. These cells occupy a central position in the pit, similar to that of the neuromasts in the sensory pit. The central cells are unlike any cell types described for fishes, and on an ultrastructural basis no function can be ascribed to them and the significance of the nonsensory pit is unknown.