Mechanics of the feeding action of various teleost fishes

Abstract

Pressure changes have been recorded from the buccal cavities of nine species of teleost as they sucked food into their mouths. Some of the pressures recorded are discussed in relation to the sizes of the muscles responsible. Cinematograph films have been used to estimate how much the volume of the orobranchial chamber increases as food is sucked in. Some peculiarities in the feeding movements of Taurulus, Ictalurus and Anguilla are described and discussed.