Abstract
The adhesive nature of pectoral and pelvic fins of hill-stream fishes G. gotyla, G. pectinopterus and P. sulcatus as examined by scanning electron microscopic investigation is an attempt to understand the structural and functional modifications in epithelial cells in relation to life in torrential streams. The outer rays of these fins are modifies into structures that bear prominent transverse ridges and grooves in G. pectinopterus and P. sulcatus, where as the rough epidermis covered the ventral surface of entire length of first anterior ray of both the fins and also the proximal part of third and fourth rays of pectoral fin only in G. gotyla, the rough epidermis provided with horny projections. The outer epidermal cells of ridges are thrown into elongated spines. Mucous pore (opening to mucous glands) are frequently present in the epidermis of ridges. These spines are absent in the cells that line by the groove regions. Presence of these grooves and ridges could be interpreted as the means of adhesion, affected by suction pressure generated by the musculature attached to the grooves and ridges and mucus and spines aid in this process.
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