Histological study of the annular ligament in the rabbitfish eye (Siganus sp.)

Rabbitfish is economically valuable teleost species which lives in shallow coastalwaters. Two species of rabbit fish have been recognized in southern sea of Iran (Persiangulf) as namely Siganus sutor and Siganus javus. In the current study, in order toinvestigate the histology of the annular ligament of the S. javus’ eye, the prepared sectionsof the eyes of twelve healthy specimens were studied under light microscope. The resultsrevealed that annular ligament is a crescent shape structure which is situated between thescleral stroma anteriorly and the iris posteriorly. It contains a vascularized, amorphousand granular matrix with fibers of dense connective tissue; high glycogen content andmelanin pigments.