Histochemical analysis of muscle fibers in myotome of teleost fishes (Carassius auratus gibelio).

Qualitative histochemical studies were carried out on lateral musculature of Carassius auratus gibelio. On the basis of some metabolic enzymes (SDH, LDH) and myofibrillar ATP-ase activities, red, intermediate, white and small diameter muscle fibers were discerned. When SDH method was used, two other fiber types were distinguished. They built up a transition zone, which lay between intermediate and white muscle fiber complexes. The histochemical reaction for myofibrillar ATP-ase activity, after alkaline preincubation, revealed so called "displaced fibers" located at periphery of red as well as intermediate zones.