A chemoreceptive function for the anterior dorsal fin in rocklings (Gaidropsarus and Ciliata: Teleostei: Gadidae): electrophysiological evidence

Abstract

Gross activity recordings from the recurrent facial nerve were made in unrestrained specimens ofGaidropsarusandCiliataby means of implanted silver-wire electrodes. Responses to tactile stimuli could be evoked almost anywhere on the skin. Application of the contents of the urinary bladders of other rocklings, water in which other rocklings were kept, and (diluted) human saliva to the anterior dorsal fin evoked strong responses. Responses to more elementary chemical stimuli like amino acids, salts, aldehydes, and acids, were much weaker or absent. The results favour a special chemoreceptive function of the vibratile anterior dorsal fin.