Relationship between Swim Bladder Morphology and Hearing Abilities–A Case Study on Asian and African Cichlids

摘要

BackgroundSeveral teleost species have evolved anterior extensions of the swim bladder which come close to or directly contact the inner ears. A few comparative studies have shown that these morphological specializations may enhance hearing abilities. This study investigates the diversity of swim bladder morphology in four Asian and African cichlid species and analyzes how this diversity affects their hearing sensitivity.