Integumentary Histology of the Amphibious Blenny, Isteblennius edentulus (Forester and Schneider, 1801)

The skin of the amphibious blenny, Istiblennius edentulus, was studied using both light and scanning electron microscopy. Rich vascularisation was found immediately below the epidermis and the dermis. Surface epithelial cells displayed microridges in a fingerprint-like pattern. It was speculated that this increased surface area may aid in the adhesion of mucous secretions as well as to increase the surface area for gas exchange. The number of pores on the dorsal side (6.3x10^3 per mm^2) was significantly higher than that on the ventral side (4.3x10^3 per mm^2). The thickness of the skin on the dorsal side was measured at 31.6±10.0μm and that on the ventral side was 32.9 ± 7.8μm.