Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

The skin: The many functions of fish integument

November 1, 2011

The integument or skin is the envelope that not only separates and protects a fish from its environment, but also provides the means through which most contacts with the outer world are made. It is a large organ and is continuous with the linings of all body openings, and also covers the fins. Fish integument is a multifunctional organ, and its components may serve important roles in protection, communication, sensory perception, locomotion, respiration, ion regulation, excretion, and thermal regulation.

Publication Year 2011
Title The skin: The many functions of fish integument
DOI 10.1016/B978-0-12-374553-8.00285-9
Authors Diane G. Elliott
Publication Type Book Chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Index ID 70043664
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Western Fisheries Research Center