MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

Greetings. Attached is a pic of a scale from an olive colored fingerling goldfish, which I examined under the microscope. The colour giving cells (chromatophores) are mostly black octopus-like ones (melanophores) and the yellow xanthophores. Also visible are iridophores containing plates of iridescent guanine crystals. Together these cells give this particular goldfish its olive-metallic look - interesting enough, but regrettably not of much value as a show shubunkin.

Fascinating ... Thanks

MichaelG.

_________________
Too many 'projects'

Wow, that's remarkably interesting my friend.
I always thought in my shameful ignorance that a fish-scale was just an inert 'chunk of hard stuff'. This is the first time I've seen such a glimpse not only of course of the familiar growth-pattern of a scale, but the constituent parts that give it, as you say, it's particular characteristics.

This is a great example of why microscopy is such a fascinating pursuit. Detail is all around us, waiting simply for someone to 'be interested'. I find exactly the same fascination with plant structure and minutiae.

Thanks for a very nice post and description of the structures therein.

John B.

p.s. - I too would be very interested to see what a shubunkin's scale has to offer.... maybe just one wafer-thin scale wouldn't be missed - for the sake of science of course!

_________________
John B
my website

THANKS! Fantastic photograph!