part of neuromast mantle cell differentiation anterior lateral line neuromast development anterior lateral line neuromast mantle cell differentiation The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of an anterior lateral line neuromast mantle cell. Mantle cells are non-sensory cells that surround the sensory strip, separating the neuromast from the epidermis. Mantle cells secrete the cupula in which the ciliary bundles of all of the hair cells are embedded. biological_process GO:0048905