The Lateral Line System of the Gizzard Shad, Dorosoma cepedianum Lesueur (Pisces: Clupeidae)

Secondary modifications to increase receptivity mask the basic teleostomian plan of the lateral line system of the gizzard shad, Dorosoma cepedianum. Most of these modifications are present in the lateral line systems of other clupeomorphs, and some are shared with representatives of other teleostome groups. Differences in lateral line bones, canal branching patterns and canal neuromast size, shape and distribution, may be used with caution in determining relationships among clupeomorphs, both living and fossil. T HE acousticolateralis system of fishes is composed of maculae and cristae in a fluid filled membranous labyrinth and a series of neuromasts forming a fluid filled or fluid bathed lateral line system. In bony fishes the lateral line neuromasts lie sunken below the surface of the integument in pits, furrows or canals partially or completely enclosed in dermal bones or scales. The canals usually consist of a lateralis (sometimes absent) along each side of the body in