Structure of the integument of a fresh-water teleost,Bagarius bagarius (Ham.) (Sisoridae,pisces)

The skin of Bagarius bagarius (Ham.) is devoid of scales but is rough due to the presence of numerous pentagonal epidermal elevations, which are separated by deep furrows at regular intervals. These elevated pentagonal regions of the epidermis are covered by dead cornified cells in the form of caps. As the old cap goes off a new one is formed by the death of the underlying epidermal cells. The middle layer of the epidermis is mainly composed of well defined polygonal cells. Their cytoplasm is granular in nature and give reactions for protein bound sulphydryl groups. The stratum germinativum is composed of two types of basal cells, the columnar cells and the spherical cells. The flask shaped mucous glands are restricted to the epidermal furrows and secrete either neutral or acidic mucopolysaccharides. Certain large specialysed granular cells are found in the epidermis which are grouped around the taste buds. These specialysed cells may be the photocytes. Two layers of the dermis can be distinguished—the relatively thin stratum laxum and the thick stratum compactum. Dermal papillae mainly support the taste buds. The pigment cells are arranged in two layers in the dermis. The subcutis is composed of loose connective tissues, richly infiltrated with the fat cells, nerves and blood capillaries.