Author(s): Hassan MM Khalaf-Allah, Ahmad M Azab, Moharam AM Afifi

Abstract: The present study deals with the structure of brood pouch and its mechanism of open-close in male pipefish, Trachyramphus bicoarctatus. 241 fish samples were collected by seine net from Lake Qarun in El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt. The wall of brood pouch consists of two lateral folds and is made up of three layers; perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium. The perimetrium is composed of simple squamous epithelium. This layer is increased in thickness towards the brood pouch opening for protection of embryo during closing and opening of the brood pouch. The myometrium is made up of two layers; outer thick layer of fibrous connective tissue is relaxed when brood pouch is opened. The inner thin layer of areolar connective tissue is gradually increased in thickness towards the dorsal side of brood pouch to make cushion to protect embryos and richly supplied with blood vessels for enrichment of embryos. The endometrium is made up of thin layer of simple squamous epithelium with large numerous mucous cells. This layer is protruded to form stopper like anchor between left and right lateral folds for close the opening of brood pouch. After finishing of young born, the ends of two folds are curved to the inside gradually until fused for closing the brood pouch.

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