[Histological, ultrastructural and topochemical studies on the brood care of Symphysodon aequifasciatus Pellegrin 1903].

In the period of brood care, the epidermis of the genus Symphysodon has a trophical function. Compartment-like filament-containing surface layer cells and secretocytes of different degree of maturity are the first nourishment for the young larvae. Because of the modifications on the outer surface, the larvae are able to take in epidermal nourishment. Epibiotical bacteria on the epidermis of the adults and other epibiotical organisms are found in the intestine of the larvae.