occipital lateral line

Term ID

ZFA:0000400

Synonyms

supratemporal lateral line

Definition

One of eight distinct lateral lines in the 4-day larva positioned dorsal to the ear. A sensory system on the surface of the fish, consisting of small sensory patches (neuromasts) distributed in discrete lines over the body surface. The lateral line system is stimulated by local water displacements and vibrations, and detects propulsion of the fish through the water, as well as facilitating shoaling, prey capture, and predator and obstacle avoidance. (See Anatomical Atlas entry for lateral line by T. Whitfield.) (1)

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