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We studied the characteristics of chloride cells using transmission and scanning electron microscopy in newly hatched rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), reared in freshwater. Ultrathin (25 nm) sections from the gills were stained with lead citrate. The first sign of differentiation of chloride cells was the presence of cells with numerous mitochondria in the epithelia of gill filaments and lamellae. In addition to mitochondria, well-developed chloride cells displayed extensive membranous systems and apical membranes of different structure. Not only mature and immature, but also intermediate developmental stages and degenerate chloride cells, were found in the epithelia of the lamellae and interlamellar regions. Our study indicates that variations in the morphology and distribution of chloride cells in rainbow trout alevins, are the result of adaptative responses to different environmental requirements when reared under natural freshwater conditions. These results agree with those reported in other freshwater species, thus suggesting that the morphological variations of chloride cells are partially the representation of different stages during the cell cycle, and partially the consequence of differences in salinity and ionic composition of the water.