title: Morpho-histology of the intestine in a freshwater major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) during the different life-history stages in relation to food and feeding habits.
abstract: The morpho-histology in relation to food and feeding habits of the intestine in the fry, fingerling and adult of Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton), a freshwater major carp, has been described. The intestine has been observed to be shortest in the fry (carnivorous) and longest in the adults (herbivorous) with intermediate values in the fingerlings (omnivorous). The mucosal folds of the intestine have also been observed to be adapted according to the nature of the dietary prevailing in the different life history stages. The food appears to have a marked influence on the morpho-histology of the villi and the number of mucous cells/unit area of the fry, fingerling and adult. The sub-mucosa, muscularis and tunica propria are characteristic in the fry, fingerling and adult.
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002347:Carps / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D007422:Intestines / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000166:cytology