Sensory Ecology and Neuroethology of the Lateral Line

Abstract

The sensory ecology and neuroethology of the lateral line provides an overview of the role of the lateral line in natural fish behaviour. The approach is more conceptual than comprehensive, choosing representative behaviors and especially those that lend themselves to a neuroethological analysis. This approach provides a clear focus for the determination of the relevant parameters of the physical stimulus, the physical and physiological mediation of stimulus encoding, and a targeted approach as to how the central nervous system processes and transforms sensory inputs to behavioral action. Like all major sensory systems, the lateral line makes an important contribution to the sensory capabilities of fish and aquatic amphibians and contributes to a wide range of core behaviors. This overview covers the role of the lateral line in: feeding, avoidance of predators, communication, hydrodynamic imaging, and orientation to slow and turbulent flows.