Motion-driven flow in an unusual piscine nasal region.

Fishes have several means of moving water to effect odorant transport to their olfactory epithelium ('olfactory flow'). Here we show that olfactory flow in the adult garpike Belone belone (Belonidae, Teleostei), a fish with an unusual nasal region, can be generated by its motion relative to water (swimming, or an external current, or both). We also show how the unusual features of the garpike's nasal region influence olfactory flow.

Complex flow in the nasal region of guitarfishes.

Scent detection in an aquatic environment is dependent on the movement of water. We set out to determine the mechanisms for moving water through the olfactory organ of guitarfishes (Rhinobatidae, Chondrichthyes) with open nasal cavities. We found at least two.