MODIFICATIONS IN THE EPITHELIA OF LIPS AND ASSOCIATED STRUCTURES OF THE PREDATORY MURREL (CHANNA-STRIATA)

Histochemical analysis of the cellular components as a supplement to h istological studies shows that the epithelia of lips and associated st ructures in Channa striata are of a mucogenic and unkeratinized nature . Voluminous mucous cells in the lip epithelia secrete profusely at th e surface to lubricate and protect the epithelia from abrasion during feeding. Capacity of the folds of skin to distend is an important adap tation enabling the jaws to protrude and assist the fish to engulf rel atively large-size prey. Profuse mucus secretion at the surface of ski n folds may reduce the resistance generated during protrusion of jaws when feeding. The role of sacciform cells located in the rostral cap e pithelium is discussed in the production of the fish toxins. Poorly-de veloped taste buds in the epithelia of lips and rostral cap suggest th at the gustatory function is of less importance in this active predato ry fish which feeds mainly by sight.