A Sixth Sense
Posted by Chris Gavin on May 3, 2006
Q: Are there any known distance limitations to the lateral line's perception? Any rules of thumb?
A: Interesting question. The lateral line picks up physical distortions of the water in its environment so it isn't a matter of how far away the distortions originated, but whether or not they are strong enough to arrive at the fish's body and stimulate its lateral line system. An insect falling on the water isn't going to create much distortion but a boulder that falls into the water will. Hope this helps.
John Wiessinger ( May 3, 2006)
Filed under: Fish