Nervous system/Sensory organs

Question 1

What are the two major systems of mechanoreception in fishes?

Answer 1

The inner ear and the lateral line system.

Question 2

Explain the design of the lateral line.

Answer 2

Neuromasts that run the course of head and body , may be freely placed or in series of canals. Inside these canals is an endolymphatic fluid that pass vibrations onto the neuromasts.

Question 3

How does placement of the lateral line relate to the ecology of the fish?

Answer 3

Gobies are associated with substrate have lateral lines that are closer to the tops of their heads.

Question 4

Compare the vision abilities of different groups of fish.

Answer 4

1. Deep sea species have rod pigments with max absorption at shorter wavelengths. 2.Intermediate marine fishes have rod pigments and two cone pigments that absorb at a slightly higher wavelength. 3. Freshwater fishes at the bottom have rods and two cone pigments often. 4. Freshwater fishes in shallow waters have rods and three cone pigments, one of which is blue-sensitive. 5. A number of species around coral reefs have ultraviolet vision.

Question 5

What determines how effective olfaction is in fish?

Answer 5

The number of folds (lamellae) in the olfactory organs.