Glossary

lateral line

Sensory organ comprising a series of neuromasts running along the head and flanks and used to detect movement and vibration in the surrounding water. Also known as the lateralis system and visible as one or more rows of pored scales of varying length in many fishes.

Used in 366 species profiles

Related terms

decurved
Curved downwards. Sometimes used in reference to the lateral line of certain fishes.
head and lateral line erosion
Severe physical condition relatively common to certain fishes in captivity and also known as hole-in-the-head. Sometimes attributed to protozoan parasites of the genus Hexamita or an autoimmune disorder though these theories remains unconfirmed. Certainly associated with and exacerbated by poor water quality and/or nutrition, however. Initially manifests itself as small lesions, normally on the head of an affected individual, but may also extend along the lateral line and into the unpaired fins. If left unchecked these lesions can develop into larger, whitish pits and the condition may prove fatal. Often abbreviated to HLLE and similar to, but not analagous with, neuromastic pitting. Does not appear to occur in nature.
infraorbital canal
Section of the lateral-line system located below the eye. Almost extends to the snout.
lateral line scale
Any visibly-pored scale of the lateral line system, counts of which are often used as an identifying feature.
lateral scale rows
The number of more-or-less vertically-arranged scale rows present between the upper end of the gill opening and the caudal fin base. Sometimes referred to as vertical scale rows and used in meristic counts when the lateral line is absent, incompletely pored or otherwise difficult to distinguish.
lateral series
Line of scales extending along scales along the flank. Used in meristic counts when the lateral line is absent or incompletely pored.
laterosensory pore
Small, visible pores on the head and/or body. Part of the lateral line system.
nasal canal
Section of the cephalic lateral line canal anterior to the eyes.
neuromast
Individual sense organ of the lateral line system, comprising nerve fibres connected to a cluster of sensory cells.
pored scale
A scale possessing a visible pore, e.g. a lateral line scale.
supraorbital canal
Part of the lateral line system extending up and over the eye.

Browse from here

Search the catalogue for “lateral line” →

Other terms beginning with L →