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Motion-driven flow in an unusual piscine nasal region
Mawuli P K Agbesi1, Heather S Borsuk1, Jeremy N Hunt2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
Zoology (Jena, Germany)
|July 25, 2016
Summary
Garpike
Area of Science:
- Ichthyology
- Sensory Biology
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Fishes utilize olfactory flow for odorant transport to their olfactory epithelium.
- The garpike (Belone belone) possesses a unique nasal region structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate olfactory flow generation in the garpike's unusual nasal region.
- To understand how garpike nasal morphology influences olfactory flow and odorant sampling.
Main Methods:
- Life-like plastic models of garpike heads were created from X-ray scans.
- Models were tested in a flume to simulate swimming and water flow.
- Dye filaments visualized nasal flow patterns at Reynolds numbers of 700–2,000.
Main Results:
- Water flow over the garpike's head induced circulation within the nasal cavity, potentially aided by vortices.
- Nasal region morphology and asymmetry significantly influenced olfactory flow patterns.
- The garpike's nasal features, mouth, and jaw base appear to enhance odorant sampling.
Conclusions:
- The garpike's nasal region effectively traps odorant molecules through dispersed flow and favorable transport conditions.
- Unusual nasal morphology, combined with jaw structures, optimizes olfactory sampling in this species.
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