Sensory Tuning of Lateral Line Receptors in Antarctic Fish to the Movements of Planktonic Prey

The suitability of the lateral line system of fish and aquatic amphibia for the detection of planktonic prey was examined in the antarctic fish Pagothenia borcgrevinki (family Nototheniidae). The best responses of primary afferent lateral line neurons to waterborne vibrations were recorded at frequencies within the range of those produced by swimming crustacea. Simultaneous recordings from a swimming zooplankter held close to the fish and from primary afferent neurons provided direct confirmation that swimming movements of crustaceans are a potent natural stimulus of the lateral line system.