noun
- A sensory organ in fish and aquatic amphibians that detects water movement and pressure changes, consisting of a cluster of hair cells.
Usage: biology; ichthyology
Examples
- Fish use neuromasts to navigate through murky water without relying on vision.
- The lateral line system contains hundreds of neuromasts distributed along the fish's body.
- Neuromasts allow fish to detect the movements of nearby prey and predators.
- Tadpoles possess neuromasts that help them sense vibrations in their aquatic environment.
- Damage to neuromasts can impair a fish's ability to school with other fish.