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Modifications in the epithelia of lips and associated structures of the predatory murrel ( Channa striata )
Author(s) -
Mittal A. K.,
Agrawal N.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of applied ichthyology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.392
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1439-0426
pISSN - 0175-8659
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0426.1994.tb00150.x
Subject(s) - biology , mucus , taste , anatomy , fish <actinopterygii> , predation , secretion , zoology , ecology , fishery , food science , biochemistry
Summary Histochemical analysis of the cellular components as a supplement to histological studies shows that the epithelia of lips and associated structures in Channa striata are of a mucogenic and unkeratinized nature. Voluminous mucous cells in the lip eithelia secrete profusely at the surface to lubricate and protect the epithelia from abrasion during feeding. Capacity of the folds of skin to distend is an important adaptation enabling the jaws to protrude ant assist the fish to engulf relatively large‐size prey. Profuse mucus secretion at the surface of skin folds may reduce the resistance generated during protrusion of jaws when feeding. The role of sacciform cells located in the rostral cap epithelium is discussed in the production of the fish toxins. Poorly‐developed taste buds in the epithelia of lips and rosual cap sugest that the gustatory function is of less importance in this active predatory fish which feeds mainly by sight.