Histogenesis of the oropharyngeal cavity taste buds and the relevant nerves and brain centers in substrate-brooding and mouth-brooding cichlid fish (Cichlidae, Teleostei).

This study follows the histogenesis of the oropharyngeal cavity taste buds, along with the development of the relevant neural centers and gustatory nerves, in two cichlid species: the substrate-brooding Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum and the mouth-brooding Astatotilapia flavijosephi, from fertilization to 20-day-old juveniles, grown at a temperature of 26 degrees C. Significant differences in pace of development were shown between the two social types: Substrate-brooders complete embryogenesis and hatch 48 h after fertilization (HAF) and begin to swim 120 HAF, with the yolk sac disappearing 160 HAF, whereas mouth-brooders hatch 84 HAF and begin to swim 196 HAF, with the yolk sac disappearing 360 HAF. Histogenesis of primordial taste buds occurs 75 HAF and 160 HAF in C. cyanoguttatum and A. flavijosephi, respectively. Accordingly, the related sensory ganglia and nerves (VII, IX, and X) develop much earlier in the substrate-brooded larvae and postlarvae. Nerve and brain development in juvenile A. flavijosephi of 13 mm total length (TL) closely resemble those of 8-mm-TL C. cyanoguttatum. These differences in development continue throughout the early stages of growth. Similar differences are observed in the ripening and increase in number of taste buds and dentition on the jaws and pharyngeal bones. The possible triggers and causes of such differences in development, as well as the inductors of taste bud development, are discussed.