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Fine structure and behaviour of the so-called Cuvierian organs in the Holothuroid genus Actinopyga (Echinodermata)
VandenSpiegel, D.; Jangoux, M. (1993). Fine structure and behaviour of the so-called Cuvierian organs in the Holothuroid genus Actinopyga (Echinodermata). Acta Zool. (Stockh.) 74(1): 43-50. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1463-6395.1993.tb01219.x
In: Acta Zoologica (Stockholm). Svenska Bokfoerlaget: Stockholm. ISSN 0001-7272; e-ISSN 1463-6395, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keyword
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • VandenSpiegel, D., more
  • Jangoux, M., more

Abstract
    Actinopygid Cuvierian tubules are few in number. They are made of a basal trunk from which arises 2–3 branches. The trunk is smooth and hollow (proximally) or slightly swollen and solid (distally) and the branches consist of a central rachis to which attach many peripheral spherules. The fine structure of the tubules is similar in the three investigated species of Actinopyga but differs considerably from that of non-actinopygid tubules. Basic behavioural differences occur also as actinopygid Cuvierian tubules cannot elongate nor become sticky, and are not expelled by the individuals. It is concluded that actinopygid Cuvierian tubules do not fulfil a defensive function.

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