Skeleton
The skeleton of tilapia is composed of both cartilage and bone. The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, and ribs. The appendicular skeleton comprises the paired pectoral and pelvic fins, as well as the unpaired dorsal, anal, and caudal fins.
- Skull: The skull is composed of several bones that form the braincase, jaws, and gill arches. The braincase is made up of the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal bones. The jaws are formed by the premaxilla, maxilla, dentary, and angular bones. The gill arches consist of the hyomandibular, ceratohyal, and branchiostegal rays.
- Vertebral column: The vertebral column is made up of a series of vertebrae that are divided into abdominal, caudal, and ural vertebrae. The abdominal vertebrae are the most numerous and are located in the trunk of the fish. The caudal vertebrae are located in the tail and are responsible for the movement of the tail. The ural vertebrae are located at the end of the tail and support the caudal fin.
- Ribs: The ribs are thin bones that are attached to the vertebrae and surround the body cavity. They provide support for the body and help to protect the internal organs.
- Pectoral fins: The pectoral fins are located on the sides of the fish and are supported by a series of bones. The pectoral fins are used for steering and maneuvering.
- Pelvic fins: The pelvic fins are located on the ventral side of the fish and are supported by a series of bones. The pelvic fins are used for stabilizing the fish and for swimming.
- Dorsal fin: The dorsal fin is located on the back of the fish and is supported by a series of spines and rays. The dorsal fin helps to stabilize the fish and to prevent it from rolling over.
- Anal fin: The anal fin is located on the ventral side of the fish and is supported by a series of spines and rays. The anal fin helps to stabilize the fish and to prevent it from rolling over.
- Caudal fin: The caudal fin is located at the end of the tail and is supported by a series of rays. The caudal fin is used for propulsion and for steering.
Scales
Tilapia have three types of scales: ctenoid, cycloid, and ganoid.
- Ctenoid scales: Ctenoid scales are characterized by their rough, comb-like appearance. The edges of the scales are serrated, which gives them a rough texture. Ctenoid scales are found on the body and fins of tilapia.
- Cycloid scales: Cycloid scales are characterized by their smooth, round appearance. The edges of the scales are smooth, which gives them a smooth texture. Cycloid scales are found on the body and fins of tilapia.
- Ganoid scales: Ganoid scales are characterized by their hard, bony appearance. The scales are covered in a layer of enamel, which makes them very hard. Ganoid scales are found on the head and body of tilapia.