Morphometric study of the regeneration of individual rays in teleost tail dims

The results obtained using morphometric variables which describe fin ray re generation patterns are reported for individual fin ray amputations in the goldfish (Carassius auratus) and zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio). Classical a nd updated experiments are compared to verify previous morphogenetic models of cell tractions (Oster et al. 1983) or epidermis-mesenchyme induction (S aunders et al. 1959) applied to the limb of other vertebrates. Position-dep endent patterns within the fin of Carassius auratus are analysed under a co mparative protocol using morphometric methods. Conditions in which the apic al epidermis is separated from blastema may differentiate small fin rays, t hus suggesting this epidermis is involved in blastemal formation. Blastemal cells differentiating as lepidotrichia forming cells (LFCs) may also be re lated to morphological changes in covering epidermis. Long-range interactio ns from neighbouring fin ray blastemas or short-range interactions within t he blastema, may be postulated through the analysis of segmentation.