Male Salamanders Hynobius leechii Respond to Water Vibrations via the Mechanosensory Lateral Line System

• DOI: 10.1670/07-285r1.1
• Publication Date: 2008-12-03T20:04:14Z
• Authors: Daesik Park; Jung-Hyun Lee; Nam-Yong Ra; Junho Eom
• Keywords: Lateral line; Mechanoreceptor; Line (geometry)

To test the hypothesis that male Korean salamanders, Hynobius leechii, respond to water vibrations via mechanosensory lateral line system, we conducted a series of experiments. First, examined behavioral responses males 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 Hz generated by model salamander, measured number times (1) oriented their heads toward vibrating model; (2) approached within 15-cm–diameter circle centered on cloaca (3) touched model, as well (4) length time stayed circle. determine whether system mediated these responses, same 1.0 both with without transparent vibration blocker placed between males, after exposing 0.1, mM concentrations cobalt chloride for 1 h disrupt system. Test showed significant from regardless frequencies. Males significantly lower when was treatments. These results indicate H. leechii In addition, describe aspects body undulation mating males. This is first clear result in urodeles plays role male-male competition.