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Superficial neuromasts of the flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae (Günther)
Author(s) -
Roper D. S.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1981.tb03816.x
Subject(s) - biology , anatomy , sensory system , fish <actinopterygii> , zoology , inner ear , neuroscience , fishery
Examination using light and transmission electron microscopy showed that each superficial neuromast of the New Zealand sole, Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae , consists of a typical sensory epithelium lying between two epidermal lappets. The neuromasts occur both singly and in rows over the head and along and above the lateral‐line on the body. As well as variation in the shape of the lappets and the size of the organs from different areas of the fish, there is a marked difference between their distribution on the left and right sides. It is suggested that the lapperts may improve the directional sensitivity of the neuromasts, or alternatively, that their function may be purely protective. The possibility is discussed that variation in the size and form of the organs reflects functional differences.