Observation of crainal nodules in stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis

Özet

Whitish unilateral, smooth and conspicuous cranial nodules are observed from Heteropneustes fossilis fry got from natural catch in and around Palayamkottai area. Histological studies revealed that cerebrum was good and cerebellum also appeared normal but was dorsally displaced. The epidermal cells devoid of karyohectic malpighian cells, but the meninges were found to be normal. There was no trace cerebellum contact with water apparently and no evidence of parasite, bacterial or fungal infections. The fish of this condition showed 15 to 20% mortality. The aetiologic status of the fish under this condition is yet to be studied in detail.