About Lesson
Functions of skin
- It lubricates the fish to reduce body friction in water while swimming thus enabling the fish to move with a greater speed.
- It protects the body from parasites, fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
- The skin and mucous secreted by its glands help the fish in regulating to some extent, the osmotic exchanges of water and ions between the body fluids and surrounding medium.
- The skin is also an important respiratory organ in certain species like the Eel (Anguilla) and the climbing perch (Anabus).
- The glandular cells of the epidermis are modified to form poison glands in certain fishes used for offense as well as defense.