BIOCHEMICAL and HISTOLOGICAL STUDY of THE VENOMOUS APPARATUS of THE STONE FISH Psuedosynanciea melanostigma from NORTH WESTERN ARABIAN GULF

Abstract

This study was aimed to understand the structure of the venomous apparatus of the stone fish Pseudosynanciea melanostigma from the north western part of the Arabian Gulf. The study includes determination of the biochemical and histological composition of the venomous spines of this fish. The study revealed that stone fish P. melanostigma possess a true venomous apparatus consist of venomous glands, canals for transporting venomous materials and stinging spines. The venomous material is found in all fins. The biochemical study showed that the composition of the spines is consisting of high concentration of soluble protein, insoluble protein and free amino acids. The histological study showed that the venomous glands contain different concentrations of venomous materials as protein particles.