"seams" in the skin

[Beun]

Someone on the Dutch pufferforum ( http://www.kogelforum.nl ) asked an interesting question. Some puffers have "seams" on their skin, almost like a scar. I can't see any logic in the position of these "seams".

My old puffer had it as well. Here's a picture:



In this video you can see an example too (at 30 seconds): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJe8tysOVc8

Does anyone know what these are?

[Nick]

Not sure what they are, but my GSP Shakespeare has two very prominent ones.

[Pufferpunk]

I do believe those are scars from scraping themselves on rocks.

[xrayjeeper83]

My fahaka has some, and has seemed to have them since the day i got em

[RTR]

I do believe that those are built-in. I am unsure of the exact structure, but hey are generally present and visible on puffs with color and/or size to be able to see them.

I have wondered if they mark the edges of portions of the shin that do versus do not stretch when the puffer inflates. The pic in the original post does show the area around the eye as sort of lined off by these marks, and that area does not really inflate as much as the general body does. It is a very very good shot for showing that, thanks!

It may also have something to do with the internal i layers/folds of the skin which allow for inflation itself.

[xrayjeeper83]

I wonder if it has to do with some of the there senses. Like sensing water temp, and stuff like that

[RTR]

These are not all lateral lines (which are sensory), they look quite different.

[pufferpuggirl]

I have noticed them on BeeBoo, my Mbu too.

[xrayjeeper83]

oh ok, i didnt know that only the lateral lines were sensory lines. Learn something new everyday

[Ohyouknow]

I've been staring at my fahaka, and his lines are in similar places, running similar directions. I had been curious about them before, myself - and I think I agree that it has to do with their puffing... Differences in how much each area stretches, or how it's 'attached' perhaps. I've only seen my puff inflated one time, however that doesn't mean he doesn't practice when I'm not looking. Heck, I've even tried holding him (he had stuff stuck to him) and he just wriggled through my fingers like it was nothing. I wouldn't do that now, tho. Too scared of puttin my fingers that close to him after I see what he does to his food!