X-Rays of Fish Reveal Diversity

Scientists in the Division of Fishes at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History use X-ray imaging to study the complex bone structure and diversity of fish. This image gallery showcases X-ray images of sharks and their relatives and bony fish; revealing how some fish have skeletons built from cartilage while others are built from bone.

The National Museum of Natural History is currently displaying "X-Ray Vision: Fish Inside Out," a temporary exhibit that showcases fish evolution and diversity through 40 black and white X-ray images prepared for research purposes. Each X-ray is paired with a photograph of the preserved fish specimen, demostrating the value of radiography as a means of study that does not damage or destroy the specimen. See the touring schedule to find out where this exhibit will be shown. 

To experience the full exhibit online, visit Encyclopedia of Life's X-Ray Vision Collection. 

Tags: 
Photography, Anatomy, Smithsonian scientists, Smithsonian exhibits, Skates and rays

X-Ray Image of a Winghead Shark

The distinctive form of a winghead shark, Eusphyra blochii, is revealed in an X-ray image. The shark's eyes are spread far apart, giving it superb binocular vision.

Credit: © Sandra Raredon/Smithsonian Institution

X-Ray Image of a Slender Snipe Eel

The elongated body, characteristic long and narrow snout, and small teeth make the slender snipe eel, Nemichthys scolopaceus, easily identifiable in this X-ray image.

Credit: Sandra J. Raredon / Smithsonian Institution

X-Ray Image of a Long-Spined Porcupine Fish

The robust oval, spine covered body of a long-spined porcupine fish, Diodon holocanthus, is revealed in this X-ray image.

Credit: Sandra J. Raredon / Smithsonian Institution

X-Ray Image of a Monterey Skate

An X-ray image of a Monterey skate, Raja montereyensis, reveals a spine that extends like a tail out from the pelvic fin. The skeletons of skates, rays, chimaeras, and sharks are made of cartilage, rather than bone.

Credit: © Sandra Raredon / Smithsonian Institution

X-Ray Image of Grooved Razorfish

An X-ray image of grooved razorfish, Centriscus scutatus.

Credit: Sandra J. Raredon / Smithsonian Institution

X-Ray Image of a White-Rimmed Stingray

This X-ray shows the mouth on the underside of a white-rimmed stingray, Himantura signifer.

Credit: © Sandra Raredon/Smithsonian Institution

X-Ray Image of a Longnose Butterflyfish

An X-ray image of a longnose butterflyfish, Forcipiger longirostris, helps scientists study the fish's complex bone structure.

Credit: Sandra J. Raredon / Smithsonian Institution

Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

Do you know if they will be selling poster renditions of these images? I'd love to get a few to frame for my home.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

like!!!!!!! :)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

this is amazing because i never thort that a sting ray would look like that

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

Just an fyi - on the page that links to this one, it says that "showcasing beautiful fish X-rays from the Department of Invertebrate Zoology." It should say Vertebrate Zoology - fish are vertebrates, not invertebrates!

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