The architecture of the gill surface of the catfish, Heteropneutes fossilis (Bloch): SEM study.

A scanning electron microscopical examination of the gills of H. fossilis is described. The surface architecture of gill filaments and secondary gill lamellae showed the presence of various features such as indentations, micropits and crevices. The possible functions of these morphological adaptations are discussed in relation to physiology of the gill.