Exo-celiac liver in Glyptosternum maculatum

摘要

A unique structure in the fish of Glyptosternum maculatum (Regan) (Siluriformes: Sisoridae) is reported. It was identified as a part of the liver named "exo-celiac liver" . This new organ is located between skin and muscle and connected with the celiac liver by a funiform tissue, "joint belt . It has similar histological features and isozyme electrophoretogramic bands of lactate dehydroge nase, esterase, malate dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase as in the celiac liver. This unique organ has biological research value and could serve as an important tool for studying organogenesis and evolution.