scope:

Preface

The diverse and ever-changing aquatic environment has a major impact on the organization of various organ-systems of fishes. This book contains seventeen chapters covering bony fishes which are focal to the current study. The chapters primarily cover fish respiration but also include osmoregulation, these being the two main functions of gills. Concurrently, cardio-respiratory synchronization has been well addressed.

Gills of healthy fishes are their life-line to meet the challenges arising from their changing environment: oxygen gradient, alkalinity, temperature fluctuations and overall the added pollutants.

Since the gills are considered multi-potent tissues, their architecture with bizarre modifications, morphometrics, O₂ ^- and mechans - receptors, Chloride (MR-rich) cells fulfill the varied functions; this functional plasticity is quite specific in nature. The counter-current blood flow is an added advantage.

What are the different views on the homology of swim (air-bladder, gas-bladder)? One of chapters presents these views. How do the dipnoans (lungfishes), with modified cardiac structure and functions, survive in different situations? This has received a lot of coverage.

Interest in amphibious fishes is no less. The causative factors for their emergence and related behavior are duly described. There is a focus on fishes with accessory respiratory organs, including skin. Information is given on how denizens of Magadi Lake (Kenya) with both high alkalinity and temperature - indeed a very hostile environment - efficiently perform the life-saving functions. The hypoxia - tolerant species (Cyprinus carpio) has been exemplified and functionally detailed. The performance of gills in fishes with diseases is also reported. An emphasis on osmo-respiratory compromises with related details can be obtained in specific chapters.

It is hoped that this book with its coverage in totality and wellsupported with illustrations will not only infuse interest in readers but merit a permanent place on the shelves of ichthyological literature.