An accessory lateral line in some New Zealand and Australian galaxiids (Teleostei: Galaxiidae)

Abstract— Many New Zealand and Australian galaxiids have bilateral accessory lateral lines along the dorso-lateral trunk that consist of widely spaced neuromasts from head to dorsal fin. Dietary studies show that many species feed extensively on terrestrial foods. Some of them are also nocturnally active. The accessory lateral line may assist these fish in locating terrestrial foods at the surface of the water, and perhaps in avoiding predators. Species that lack the accessory lateral line are principally diurnal, mid-water, shoaling species, or small, slender, cryptic, riffle-dwellers.