Pectoral-fin glands and delivery apparatus in the catfish genus Brachyrhamdia Myers, 1927 (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae)

The Siluriformes, popularly known as catfishes, are probably the vertebrate group with highest diversity of venomous animals, even though only approximately a hundred catfishes reported to date. Venomous might present delivery system apparatus, formed by an unbranched ray at leading edge pectoral and dorsal fins (spine), which can be stiffened pungent, while venom glands surface such spines and/or axillary region. This work investigated presence, morphology distribution pectoral-fin apparatus in heptapterid Brachyrhamdia genus. Pectoral-fin spine external was compared across all valid species genus, histological sections regions B. heteropleura marthae were produced, dissections girdle region mentioned analyzed. confirmed presence species, cellular indicates these venomous. Also, we found piriform gland region, whose cell is like for other catfishes. However, cannot currently confirm or deny participation apparatus. constitutes first report Brachyrhamdia, description Heptapteridae glands.