Histopathological alterations in the epidermis of general body skin of the live fishHeteropneustes fossilis following exposure to sublethal concentration(0.2 g/l)of ammoniumsulphate(3 mg/l total ammonia-N)have been described.It induces an initial enhanced secretion of slime from the increased density of the mucous cells(MCs)in the outermost layer.The new MCs regenerate in the lower layer where they first synthesize neutral glycoproteins which subsequently get acidified when they reach the surface.Later,these gland cellsshow periodic fluctuations in their density.Ammonia toxicity stimulates the club cells(CCs)to shed at the surface regularly.Before shedding the size of the CCs decreases substantially. The CCs of the underlying middle layer show many symptoms of degenerations includingvacuolization.The polygonal epithelial cells at the most superficial layer also show signsof severe damage and shed in small flakes.The epidermis however tries to regenerateperiodically even under the continued stress of the ammonium salt.Although the skin triesto heal up repeatedly,a complete recovery of the epidermis is never found during the 45d of the exposure period.