LAUSR

In this study, the lateral line systems in Chinese cavefish eyeless Sinocyclocheilus tianlinensis and eyed S. macrophthalmus were investigated to reveal their morphological changes to survive in harsh environments. To adapt to the dark cave environments, the lateral line system in the eyeless cavefish S. tianlinensis (typical) has, compared with that in the eyed cavefish S. macrophthalmus (atypical), some features: the superficial lateral line system in the eyeless species possesses a higher number of superficial neuromasts and more hair cells within an individual neuromast, and the trunk lateral line canal system in S. tianlinensis exhibits larger canal pores, higher canal diameter and more pronounced constrictions. Fluid-structure interaction analysis suggests that the trunk lateral line canal system in the eyeless S. tianlinensis should be more sensitive than that in the eyed S. macrophthalmus. These morphological features of the lateral line system in the eyeless S. tianlinensis probably enhance the functioning of the lateral line system and compensate for the lack of eyes. The revelation of the form-function relationship in the cavefish lateral line system gives an inspiration to the design of sensitive artificial flow sensors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.