Quantitative effect of <i>fls</i> on scale number and shape and the effect of background modifiers in <i>Danio rerio</i> strains on <i>fls</i>^dt3Tpl.

The total number of scales on one side of alizarin red stained adults of different genotypes were counted and measured. Counts were normalized for standard length (stl) of individual fish as shape and number of scales in the mutants may vary as a measure of size. Shape characteristics of scales were quantified by measuring three to four scales from set positions across the flank of each fish and comparing the height (dorsal-ventral; DV) to length (anterior-posterior; AP) ratios. Results are presented as sample average and standard deviation around the mean. mod, inferred genotype of a modifier in Tü background leading to “weak” phenotype. The numerical symbol (#) indicates significant difference compared to wild type values (students t, p<0.05). The different number of symbols signifies a significantly different phenotypic classes of scale development (#, ##, ###).