In vivo quantification of mechanical properties of caudal fins in adult zebrafish

Puri, Sahil; Aegerter-Wilmsen, Tinri; Jaźwińska, Anna; Aegerter, Christof M.

doi:10.1242/jeb.171777

Back

Journal article

+ 1 other files

In vivo quantification of mechanical properties of caudal fins in adult zebrafish

Puri, Sahil Physik-Institut, University of Zurich, Switzerland - Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Switzerland
Aegerter-Wilmsen, Tinri Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Switzerland
Jaźwińska, Anna Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Aegerter, Christof M. Physik-Institut, University of Zurich, Switzerland - Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Switzerland

15.02.2018

Published in:

Journal of Experimental Biology. - 2018, vol. 221, no. 4, p. jeb171777

English Skip to Next SectionThe caudal fins of adult zebrafish are supported by multiple bony rays that are laterally interconnected by soft interray tissue. Little is known about the fin's mechanical properties that influence bending in response to hydrodynamic forces during swimming. Here, we developed an experimental setup to measure the elastic properties of caudal fins in vivo by applying micro-Newton forces to obtain bending stiffness and a tensional modulus. We detected overall bending moments of 1.5×10−9–4×10−9 N m2 along the proximal–distal axis of the appendage showing a non-monotonous pattern that was not due to the geometry of the fin itself. Surgical disruption of the interray tissues along the proximal–distal axis revealed no significant changes to the overall bending stiffness, which we confirmed by determining a tensional modulus of the interray tissue. Thus, the biophysical values suggest that the flexibility of the fin during its hydrodynamic performance predominantly relies on the mechanical properties of the rays.

Faculty

Faculté des sciences et de médecine

Department

Département de Biologie

Language