The lateral line system and its innervation in the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica (Teleostei: Elopomorpha: Anguillidae)

Abstract

The lateral line system and its innervation were examined in the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica. Although the species has seven lateral line canals and 13 superficial neuromast groups, the components are generally similar to those in many other teleosts. The lateral line system of A. japonica is distinctive in having a rostral commissure connecting the left and right supraorbital canals, pouches in the cephalic lateral line canals and superficial neuromasts along the lower lip, and lacking a postotic canal. Four tube‐like elements, two along the supratemporal canal and the other two along the temporal portion of the trunk canal, respectively, are also reported. The functional significance of cephalic lateral line pouches, homologies of the four tube‐like elements, and other distinctive characters are discussed.