The distribution of mucous cells in the epidermis of the brown trout <i>Salmo trutta</i> (L.) and the char <i>Salvelinus alpinus</i> (L.)

Abstract

The mucus of the trout and char was found to contain only one sialic acid, n‐acetyl neuraminic acid (NANA). The concentration of NANA in the epidermis is directly proportional to the mucous cell concentration. In both species the highest concentration of mucous cells occurs on the anterior regions of the body and there are significantly fewer cells on the fins. These findings are discussed in the light of our knowledge of the functions of fish mucus.