The lateral line of the butterfish, Pholis gunnellus L.

The lateral line of Pholis gunnellus (the butterfish) has been investigated with the scanning electron microscope. The lateral line is divided into two systems, superficial and canal based. The neuromasts of the former are composed of a central mass of tissue which carries the macula with sensory cells arranged centrally in a strip. Fusiform neuromasts have the long axis perpendicular to the canal axis. In the canals the sensory cells carry a hair bundle composed of a single kinocilium and a mass of stereocilia, enclosed by a cupula. Cephalic canals also contain novel protruding structures in the vicinity of neuromasts which may be sensory.

Key words:

• Pholis gunnellus
• butterfish
• lateral line
• SEM structure
• neuromasts