Abstract
The micropyles and their surrounding structures of pelagic fish eggs of nine species were examined and compared using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The surface of the egg membrane possesses uniformly distributed pores. However, Lateolabrax japonicus possesses a number of small knobs. The region of the micropyle of fish eggs examined is characterized by a circular elevation in which the pores are larger than those on the other parts of the egg membrane. In contrast, Kareius bicoloratus egg has no elevation and possesses uniform pores to the edge of the micropylar canal. The funnel-like structure is seen in the opening of the micropyle in Sardinops melanostictus, Saurida elongata, Sillago japonica, Parapristipoma trilineatum, Hypodytes rubripinnis and K. bicoloratus. These specific features of the micropyle may be used for the identification of pelagic eggs.
