SummaryHistochemical analysis of the cellular components as a supplement to histological studies shows that the epithelia of lips and associated structures inChanna striataare of a mucogenic and unkeratinized nature. Voluminous mucous cells in the lip eithelia secrete profusely at the surface to lubricate and protect the epithelia from abrasion during feeding. Capacity of the folds of skin to distend is an important adaptation enabling the jaws to protrude ant assist the fish to engulf relatively large‐size prey. Profuse mucus secretion at the surface of skin folds may reduce the resistance generated during protrusion of jaws when feeding. The role of sacciform cells located in the rostral cap epithelium is discussed in the production of the fish toxins. Poorly‐developed taste buds in the epithelia of lips and rosual cap sugest that the gustatory function is of less importance in this active predatory fish which feeds mainly by si