Histological study of the annular ligament in the rabbitfish eye (Siganus sp.)

Rabbitfish is economically valuable teleost species which lives in shallow coastal waters. Two species of rabbit fish have been recognized in southern sea of Iran (Persian gulf) as namely Siganus sutor and Siganus javus. In the current study, in order to investigate the histology of the annular ligament of the S. javus’ eye, the prepared sections of the eyes of twelve healthy specimens were studied under light microscope. The results revealed that annular ligament is a crescent shape structure which is situated between the scleral stroma anteriorly and the iris posteriorly. It contains a vascularized, amorphous and granular matrix with fibers of dense connective tissue; high glycogen content and melanin pigments.