Use of the lateral line for feeding in the torrentfish (Cheimarrichthys fosteri)

Abstract
Torrent fish feeding on natural prey in an artificial stream were studied under conditions of total darkness. The distance at which prey could be detected increased with size of prey, and decreased in flowing water. Pharmacological blockade of the mechanosensory lateral line system completely eliminated the ability of torrentfish to locate and catch prey in the dark. It is concluded that the mechanosensory lateral line system is likely to play an important role in nocturnal foraging in this fish.