Morphology of the tongue dorsal surface in white sea bream (Diplodus sargus sargus)

In the present study, the tongue dorsal surface of the white sea bream Diplodus sargus sargus (Linnaeus, 1758) (teleosts, Sparidae) was studied, to give a support to the knowledge of the anatomical characteristics of the oral cavity of a species with a future potential use in aquaculture. The feeding habits in captivity are one of the critical steps in the species of commercial interest, strictly related to the morphological characteristics of the oropharyngeal cavity. This study was undertaken, using light and scanning electron microscopy, to analyse the morphology of the dorsal tongue surface to show whether relationships are present between the anatomy and the nutritional habits and choices of this farmed species. Three zones, an apex, a body and a root, can be clearly distinguished, with a pouch partially covering the apex. In the pouch, cylindroid and mucosal ridges were observed. Along the whole tongue surface, from the apex to the root, on the medial and lateral parts, many papillae are present, with a fungiform, cylindroid and cone-like aspect. Taste buds are showed on the dorsal surface of some papillae.