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First published online October 16, 2009
Journal of Experimental Biology 212, 3422-3427 (2009)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2009
doi: 10.1242/jeb.033340
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Ultrasound detection in the Gulf menhaden requires gas-filled bullae and an intact lateral line

Maria Wilson1,*, Eric W. Montie2, Kenneth A. Mann3 and David A. Mann2,4

1 Department of Biological Sciences, Aarhus University, Building 1131, C. F. Moellers Allé, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
2 University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, 140 7th Avenue South, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
3 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Upstate Medical University Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
4 Mote Marine Laboratory, Sensory Biology and Behavior Program, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA

* Author for correspondence (maria.wilson{at}biology.au.dk)

Accepted 4 August 2009

Clupeiform fish species, including the Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) that belong to the subfamily Alosinae, can detect ultrasound. Clupeiform fishes are unique in that they have specialized gas-filled bullae in the head associated with the ear via the bulla membrane and with the lateral line via the lateral recess membrane. It has been hypothesized that the utricle of the inner ear is responsible for ultrasound detection through a specialized connection to the gas-filled bullae complex. Here, we show that the lateral line and its connection to the gas-filled bullae complex via the lateral recess are involved in ultrasound detection in Gulf menhaden. Removal of a small portion of the lateral line overlying the lateral recess membrane eliminates the ability of Gulf menhaden to detect ultrasound. We further show that the gas-filled bullae vibrates in response to ultrasound, that the gas-filled bullae are necessary for detecting ultrasound, and that the bullae connections to the lateral line via the lateral recess membrane play an important role in ultrasound detection. These results add a new dimension to the role of the lateral line and bullae as part of the ultrasonic detection system in Gulf menhaden.

Key words: ultrasound detection, lateral line, bullae, Gulf menhaden


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© The Company of Biologists Ltd 2009