Physiological properties of the electro- and mechanoreceptors in catfish Ictalurus nebulosus

Abstract

Two kinds of afferents in the posterior lateral line nerve in catfish have been identified according to their functional properties: the electro- and mechanoreceptor afferents. The electroreceptor afferents are very sensitive to electric current in water. They do not respond to distant mechanical stimulation resulting from water dropping into the tank, but do respond to light pressing against the receptors with a glass rod. The mechanoreceptor afferents are very sensitive to distant mechanical events, but much less sensitive to electric current.