Arterioles in the swimming muscles of the leatherjacket Parika scaber (Pisces: Balistidae).

The leatherjacket (Parika scaber) is a balistiform fish which swims using its dorsal and anal median fins. The muscles controlling these fins are well vascularised, with control of blood flow effected by arterioles. These arterioles are long with a single layer of smooth muscle surrounding the endothelium, although the amount of contractile material is sparse, probably a consequence of the low blood pressure. The endothelial cells contain microfilaments, probably contractile, running along the length of the arteriole. The function of this material is unknown.