part of start stage end stage opercular lateral line opercular lateral lines TAO:0000424 ZFA:0000424 zebrafish_anatomy One of eight distinct lateral lines in the 4-day larva positioned posteriorly to the second arch skeletal element. A sensory system on the surface of the fish, consisting of small sensory patches (neuromasts) distributed in discrete lines over the body surface. The lateral line system is stimulated by local water displacements and vibrations, and detects propulsion of the fish through the water, as well as facilitating shoaling, prey capture, and predator and obstacle avoidance. (See Anatomical Atlas entry for <a href='http://zfin.org/zf_info/anatomy/dict/lat_line/lat_line.html'>lateral line</a> by T. Whitfield.) lateral line anterior lateral line larval:protruding-mouth adult