Keywords
Autofluorescence imaging; composite imaging; documentation; cephalopod paralarvae; exo-morphology;
Pages
pp. 105 -
116

In the field of zoological (and palaeontological) research, accurate documentation methods for the exo-morphology are essential. Here we propose a new method for the documentation of cephalopod paralarvae and juveniles. For documenting small-sized cephalopods autofluorescence microscopy offers numerous advantages for the presentation of outer body parts and surface structures in high resolution, partially also of internal structures such as the gladius. Structures are especially well-contrasted compared to other imaging methods, such as white-light microscopy, micro- or macrophotography. This facilitates a detailed view in high resolution at even the smallest cephalopod paralarvae. Autofluorescence imaging, combined with composite imaging, creates sharp, evenly illuminated pictures. In its higher magnification ranges it can be well compared to low-magnifying scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, but with the advantage that the drying, mounting and preparation needed for SEM is not necessary for autofluorescence microscopy. In contrast the method enables the direct documentation of specimens inside their storage liquid. This is especially important for the investigation of rare specimens, e.g., for historical material from museum collections, or as a pre-documentation for specimens that will be processed further with an invasive method. By the use of different excitation wavelengths it is furthermore possible to either enhance surface structure details or certain inner body structures. Autofluorescence microscopy is also excellent for the imaging of certain types of small-sized fossil cephalopods, not least as the contrast against the matrix can be significantly improved. All these methods and the associated opportunities for studying cephalopod paralarvae are explored in this study.

Автофлуоресцентная микроскопия как метод документирования параларв и ювенильных особей головоногих моллюсков
Метц М.; Хауг К.; Хауг И. Т.;