The lateral line of a fish is the sixth sense.
Fish just like humans have 5 senses they are described and defined below
- Sight: Fisheyes are similar to human eyes but lack eyelids because they are always underwater. Some fish can see in color, while others can only see light and dark.
- Hearing: Fish have excellent hearing systems.
- Smell: Fish have a strong sense of smell, often used for hunting, reproduction, and migration.
- Taste: Fish have taste buds on their heads, barbels, and outside of their bodies.
- Touch: Fish have a sense of touch.
Then there is the Lateral line: This sensory structure allows fish to sense vibrations in the water. It's often called the "sixth sense" of fish. The lateral line is a series of fine lines that run from behind the head to the base of the tail. Inside these lines are neuromasts that detect water movement and trigger the fish’ nervous system.
Electro sensory perception: Some fish can generate an electric field to detect prey, communicate, and defend themselves.
The lateral line in fish serves as a sensory system, detecting water movements and pressure fluctuations through specialized cells known as "neuromasts." These cells are distributed in a line along the fish's body, enabling it to perceive vibrations, identify nearby prey or predators, navigate currents, and hold its position within a school by sensing minute changes in the surrounding water pressure. This system functions akin to a sense of "distant touch" for the fish. Remarkably, the structure of the lateral line is consistent among all 30,000 identified species of bony fish.
- Vibration detection:
When a prey fish moves, it creates pressure waves that cause the neuromasts to vibrate, sending signals to the fish's brain.
- Directional information:
The arrangement of the lateral line allows the fish to determine the direction of the vibrations, helping it pinpoint the location of the prey.
- Low light conditions:
The lateral line is particularly useful in murky or low-light environments where visual cues might be limited.
- Predator detection:
- Navigation:
- Schooling behavior:
- Finding food:
Fish can use their lateral line to detect the subtle vibrations created by prey moving in the water.
Shrimp produce a clicking sound underwater by snapping their claws, which generates air bubbles that implode with a pop. This collective snapping from shrimp colonies results in a cacophony audible that can be heard by divers and submarine crews. The sound originates from a bubble created as a tiny jet of water is ejected from the claw at high velocity, transforming the water into superheated steam and producing the click. Shrimp use this loud snapping sound for communication, to stun prey, and to ward off predators.
Application to fishing
Rattle rigs and lures are effective for fishing because they produce a distinct rattling noise when moved through the water, drawing fish from afar. The internal rattles mimic the sound of baitfish, making them even more enticing to fish. The preferred method to attract fish is not the low Thump, Thump sound but much rather the high pitch rattles that emulate shrimp. Bass fishermen have proved this over and over again.
Facts vs Opinion
The above information presents factual evidence, and now we can delve into my expert opinion. From my experience, the rattle rig proves to be an effective tool in catching fish. While traditional shoreline or Surf fishing relies on casting where the fish are, the rattle rig can attract fish right to the bait. This feature is particularly useful in murky waters where visibility is poor. Additionally, the lateral line of fish is sensitive to schooling bait fish, but in my expert opinion, shrimp is the preferred bait for the fish we seek. I have personally caught some impressive fish, such as a 19-pound, 33-inch black drum this year utilizing the ghost shrimp rattle rig. I have often questioned why this rig consistently lands such large fish, excluding the big bull Reds of course because we target them with different type rigs. Could it be that older fish possess a more advanced lateral line system and are not afraid of predator fish, thus easily drawn to food sources? This is something to consider.
In closing I will leave you with these opinions and facts. I will update this blog the more information I find out about the lateral line and then the hard truth of whether we can take advantage of this sixth sense of the fish.
I want to thank my good friend and fishing buddy Randy Johnson for bringing my attention to this subject in which I found it amazing, and it just goes to show that you never stop learning in this fishing game.
Jim Price
Psychos Surf Fishing, LLC