Fin-tastic Regeneration, a Caudal Fin Recovery
Faculty Mentor Information
Devaleena Pradhan, Idaho State University
Presentation Date
7-2025
Abstract
There are many animals capable of regenerating lost tissue, even humans to some small extent. The bluebanded goby, Lythrypnus dalli, is capable of such regenerative growth, especially in their fins. L. dalli are marine Teleost fish often using aggressive behaviors to achieve and maintain social status. These behaviors often lead to fin damage, notably in the caudal fin. The caudal fin is important for many behaviors from courtship and aggressive performances to parental care. We aim to explore the regenerative patterns of the caudal fin of L. dalli. Using ImageJ, we measured the area, width, and length of damaged caudal fins. Then we remeasured the same fins seven to ten days later. We hypothesized that the fins will significantly grow after being injured. We expected that caudal fins regenerated and increased in area, width, and length over time. This research will allow us to track growth in L. dalli and quantify fin regeneration patterns. Understanding this phenomenon in this species can help us understand similar adaptations in other fish and animals.
Fin-tastic Regeneration, a Caudal Fin Recovery
There are many animals capable of regenerating lost tissue, even humans to some small extent. The bluebanded goby, Lythrypnus dalli, is capable of such regenerative growth, especially in their fins. L. dalli are marine Teleost fish often using aggressive behaviors to achieve and maintain social status. These behaviors often lead to fin damage, notably in the caudal fin. The caudal fin is important for many behaviors from courtship and aggressive performances to parental care. We aim to explore the regenerative patterns of the caudal fin of L. dalli. Using ImageJ, we measured the area, width, and length of damaged caudal fins. Then we remeasured the same fins seven to ten days later. We hypothesized that the fins will significantly grow after being injured. We expected that caudal fins regenerated and increased in area, width, and length over time. This research will allow us to track growth in L. dalli and quantify fin regeneration patterns. Understanding this phenomenon in this species can help us understand similar adaptations in other fish and animals.