Axillary gland

The axillary gland is a paired gland in certain fish species that contains a protein-containing substance that is emptied by voluntary muscle contraction in stressful situations in the fish .

Occurrence

Ichthyologists at the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf have identified glands arranged in pairs in various armored catfish . The exit is at the base of the pectoral fins . The gland enlarges towards the inside of the body and there is a strong muscle alongside.

Various armored catfish also have such glands.

The secretion contained is used to ward off predators and causes pain in the attacked person. In addition, a bactericidal effect of the secretion on luminescent bacteria, such as Aliivibrio fischeri , is suspected.

literature

• Greven, Hartmut et al .: Axillary glands in the armored catfish Corydoras aeneus, negotiations of the Society for Ichthyology 5, 2006, Düsseldorf
• Greven, Hartmut et al .: Axillary gland secretionscontribute to the stress induced discharge of a bactericidal substance in Corydoras sterbai, Negotiations der Gesellschaft für Ichthyologie 5, 2006, Düsseldorf