What is the Function of the Laterophysic Connection?

Sound Production and Behavior

     Tim Tricas and colleagues have demonstrated that Chaetodon multicinctus produces sounds in the field in the context of different social interactions.  This suggests that these fishes use sound in their natural behavior, and that they should have adaptations for enhancing the reception and interpretation of these stimuli, especially given the intensity of noise in coral reef environments.  Click HERE to see a video (.mov) of butterflyfish producing sounds.  Be sure to listen for the amount of background noise (snapping shrimp, etc.) and how quiet the grunts and clicks of the butterflyfish are in relation to the background noise.

Neurophysiology

      Auditory brainstem response (ABR) anlayses are being carried out on Chaetodon species in Hawaii by the Tricas lab.  These tests will demonstrate hearing abilities of various butterflyfish species.  

Functional Analysis of the Bioacoustics of the Swim Bladder and of the Laterophysic Connection

      Experimental work using a patented laser dopler apparatus designed by Dr. Mardi Hastings will be used to directly test the hypotheses that incident sound causes cyclic compression and expansion of the swim bladder (with predictable resonance frequencies and a frequency range of response that relates to the frequency of sounds being produced by these fishes in social interactions) and that this swim bladder response causes movements of the laterophysic tympanum.  A laser beam will be reflected off of the tympanum of the LC while a tone at a specific frequency is played. The laser can record the minute movements of the tympanum. It is predicted that the movements of the laterophysic tympanum are sufficient to cause fluid movment within the lateral line canal, resulting in the stimulation of nearby neuromasts.  

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