Meeting Abstract
Several clades of percomorph fishes have ventral adhesive organs modified from the pelvic fins that facilitate attachment to a variety of substrates. We examined the adhesive organs of the Northern clingfish (Gobiesox maeandricus), Pacific spiny lumpsucker (Eumicrotremus orbis), and tide pool snailfish (Liparis florae). We also tested the adhesive ability of the marbled snailfish (Liparis dennyi) on surfaces of different roughness. Previous research has shown that clingfish can stick to a variety of substrates, and our data suggest Liparid suction discs may have even stronger adhesive abilities, which falls in line with existing data. We used scanning electron microscopy and cleared and stained individuals to look for differences in morphology that might explain performance differences. E. orbis and L. florae have much larger papillae (9.31 ± 1.55 μm, 9.96 ± 1.21 μm) than G. maeandricus (0.76 ± 0.26 μm), and a more rigid support to their disc. Large papillae may increase friction, which prevents the disc from slipping, and rigid pelvic spines resist bending of the disc roof. We also used high speed video to determine the mechanism of detachment for E. orbis and L. florae. Clingfish detach by abducting a specialized fourth lepidotrich. Both E. orbis and L. florae appear to use abduction of their pelvic fins and operculum to brace themselves as they pull back the anterior edge of their disc, causing failure and allowing the disc to be peeled back posteriorly, similar to the removal of a commercial suction disc. Both methods allow for quick detachment from the substrate which could facilitate escape from predators or pursuit of prey.
