Histological Alterations in Two Estuarine Fishes, (Mugil cephalus and Sillago sihama) from Ennore Creek, South East Coast, India

Background: Two fish species namely the flathead grey mullet, Mugil cephalus and Silver sillago, Sillago sihama were selected for the histological studies to assess the impact of pollution on the vital organs of fishes. Methods: The gill, liver and kidney tissues of Mugil cephalus and Sillago sihama of Ennore Creek and unpolluted reference site, Arambakkam were collected.Histological sections of tissues collected from the UPRS, Arambakkam showed normal histoarchitecture. However, there were several histological alterations in the above-mentioned organs of these two species collected from Ennore Creek due to high pollution in Ennore Creek. Result: The present study showed that the fishes are exposed to pollution-induced stress at Ennore Creek, making the fishes anaemic, weak and vulnerable to diseases. The Ennore Creek is a coastal wetland affected by a major oil spill and other anthropogenic pollution sources. Histological analysis revealed the occurrence of prominent gill and liver lesions, especially in the tissues of M. Cephalus. This study provides scientific evidence for the biological impacts on the resident fishes in the Ennore creek and calls for further research on the impacts of coastal water pollution and potential management strategies.