In the current study, computed tomography has used to describe the head region in four Nile catfish species, Bagridae Bagrus bajad; Clariidae Clarias gariepinus; Malapteruridae Malapterurus electricus and Mochokidae Synodontis schall. Computed tomography showed the details of each of the different compositions of soft and hard structures. The cranial head sections revealed the extent of the anterior fontanelle, jaws and hyoid apparatus. The caudal sections revealed the presence of the electric organ of M. electricus, Air Breathing Organ of C. gariepinus, the lateral fontanelles and nuchal shield in S. schall. CT scanning is the most suitable modality for early detection of congenital abnormalities in farmed fish and this may help to improve the production. Therefore, the aim of this work is to provide an anatomical description of the head regions of the Nile catfish, as the normal anatomy is the key to proper diagnosis. |
