Weberian apparatus

The Weberian apparatus is a part of the hearing organ in the Ostariophysi; to this group of bony fish include the carp -like ( Cypriniformes ), the Characins ( Characiformes ), the catfish -like ( Siluriformes ) and the New World knife fish ( Gymnotiformes ). It was named after the German physiologist and anatomist Ernst Heinrich Weber.

The Weberian apparatus connects the swim bladder of the fish, with its maze and consists of several small bones, which are due to parts of the spine and Sehnenverknöcherungen. Similar to the three ossicles of mammals of the Weberian apparatus is used for propagating sound waves, from the swim bladder to the inner ear. While serving in mammals the eardrum and in addition the skull bone as a sounding board, takes over at the fish swim bladder - if any - the task of sound perception.

Especially low frequency sound impressions can be perceived by fish through the lateral line; for higher frequencies ( allow directional hearing better) but are responsible certain otoliths (see Sciaenidae ) or just the Weberian apparatus.

Fish that are found in calm waters, generally a better hearing than is those species that live in mountain streams or about the surf zone of the sea, granted. As a pretty good listening fish carp, tetras and catfish, trout, however, are poor hearing.