Some Aspects of the Anatomy and Histology of Digestive Tracts in Two Sympatric Species of Freshwater Fishes

Comparative anatomy and histology of the digestive tracts of two sympatric species of freshwater fish, Aphanius dispar (Cyprinodontidae) and Garra barreimiae (Cyprinidae) are studied. Morphometric measurements of alimentary canal such as length and the number and height of rugae in sections have been made for both species. Relationships between these morphometric characters and the total length of fish have been evaluated. The ratio between the length of alimentary canal and total length of fish in both species reflects their feeding habits. Histology of the ‘stomach’ and ‘intestine’ of these two species as shown by light microscopy has been described and compared. Results of this study are used to discuss the query whether these species have true stomachs.