Meeting Abstract

P2.121  Wednesday, Jan. 5  The lateral line of the southern cavefish, Typhlichthys subterraneus SOARES, D.S.; University of Maryland daphne.soares@gmail.com

The southern cavefish, Typhlichthys subterraneus is a small troglobitic fish found in a few distinct populations endemic to the United States. Cave fishes are believed to use their mechanosensory systems to navigate hypogean waters, avoid predation and find mates. Here we examine the startle behavior of T. subterraneus and the anatomy of their lateral line systems. This fish has an extensive superficial lateral line network, where each neuromast is located at the end of a single soft appendage. It is unclear how this morphology affects function but it would likely increase sensitivity in slow moving, quiet waters.