Preliminary studies on the biology of the amphibious clinidMnierpes macrocephalus

✍ Scribed by J. B. Graham

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag
• Year: 1970
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 652 KB
• Volume: 5
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0025-3162
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00352596

✦ Synopsis

Mnierpes macrocephalus (GiizqT~g) inhabits the steep, current-swept shores of the tropical east Pacific Ocean; it makes frequent terrestrial excursions. Laboratory and field studies were undertaken to assess the importance of these excursions in its ecology. Several morphological features, such as body shape, padded ventral surfaces, thickened fin rays and incised fin membranes are related to its capacity for terrestrial locomotion. Its body scalation reduces desiccation. M. macrocephalus can endure prolonged exposure to air, apparently by respiring aerially. Its eyes are highly adapted for terrestrial vision through the presence of flattened corneas. Terrestriality appears to play a significant part in the capacity of M. macrocephalus to orientate at the oscillating water surface where it resides.