The development of the nasal capsule of the silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes)

Abstract

The development of the nasal capsule, including the procartilaginous as well as some mesenchymatous developmental stages, is described in the Chinese silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Val.). In the nasal capsule a primitive feature, namely the presence of a complete paraphysial bridge was observed. The composition and possible origin of the ethmoidal plate, nasal septum and lamina orbitonasalis in fishes are discussed.