Mercury induced architectural alterations in the gill surface of a fresh water fish, Channa punctatus.

An air-breathing fresh waterfish Channa punctatus was exposed chronically to sublethal concentrations of mercuric chloride and the respiratory surface was found to exhibit lesions, lifting of lamellar epithelium and increased number of mucus gland openings. The damage increased with increase in the concentrations. The gill surface was studied using scanning electron microscope.