Why fish don't bump into each other
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The lateral line system is a unique sensory system found in many fish. It consists of a series of sensory organs, which are embedded in canals or grooves that run along the length of the fish’s body, primarily on the sides. The lateral line system enables fish to detect changes in water pressure, movement, and vibration in their surrounding environment. This sensory information is crucial for various aspects of a fish’s life, including navigation, communication, predator avoidance, and prey detection. Here’s how the lateral line system works and how it helps fish to school:
Detection of Water Movements:
- The neuromasts within the lateral line system contain hair cells that are sensitive to changes in water pressure and movement.
- As water flows over the fish’s body, it causes slight deflections of the hair cells within the neuromasts.
- These deflections are detected by sensory nerves connected to the hair cells, which then transmit signals to the fish’s brain.
Sensing Nearby Fish:
- When fish school, they create disturbances and movements in the water around them.
- The lateral line system allows individual fish to sense the movements of nearby conspecifics (members of the same species) within the school.
- By detecting the subtle changes in water pressure caused by the movements of other fish, individuals within the school can maintain their position relative to one another and coordinate their movements as a cohesive group.
Maintaining School Cohesion:
- The lateral line system helps fish to maintain the cohesion of the school by providing continuous feedback on the positions and movements of neighboring individuals.
- Fish can adjust their own swimming speed and direction based on the information received from the lateral line system, allowing them to stay in close proximity to other members of the school.
- This coordination is crucial for maintaining the tight formations characteristic of fish schools, which in turn enhances the collective benefits of schooling, such as predator avoidance and foraging efficiency.
Avoiding Collisions:
- In densely packed fish schools, collisions between individuals are inevitable without effective sensory mechanisms to prevent them.
- The lateral line system enables fish to detect the presence and movements of nearby fish, allowing them to adjust their own movements to avoid collisions and maintain the integrity of the school structure.
In summary, the lateral line system plays a vital role in facilitating the social behavior of fish, including schooling. By allowing fish to detect and respond to the movements of their conspecifics, the lateral line system helps to maintain school cohesion, coordinate collective behavior, and enhance the survival and efficiency of schooling fish species.