Comparative Study of Lips in Three Hill-Stream Fishes (Botia almorhae, Homaloptera brucei and Schizothorax richardsonii) of Kumaun Region: A SEM Investigation

The lips and associated structures, in different groups of fishes are greatly modified in relation to the characteristic mode of feeding, food preference and the mode of life exhibited by the fish. The successful maintenance of fish populations in challenging environments requires responsive adjustments in their behaviour, morphology and physiology and these have been reflected by modifications at the level of their organ systems, organs and tissues. The lips are no exception to this. A number of the multifunctional roles of the fish lips and associated structures that are discussed incorporate distinctive morphological feature that will be highlight in this study.