What are fish whiskers for?

While in humans the beard or moustache has an aesthetic value that varies with the times and fashions, in marine animals the barbel or vibrissae are not accessories reserved for males but sensory organs that have a precise function for the species that wear them.

Barbels

These small appendages with gustatory and tactile cells are found around the animal's mouth, nostrils and chin. They help the animal detect the presence of food and inspect its surroundings. They are also organs that enable the animal to perceive currents, temperature variations and water movements: a veritable navigation and orientation tool.

Which species have barbels?

Cod have one under their lower jaw, catfish and freshwater barbel have them on their upper jaw, and ribbon eels have barbels in their nostrils. Nurse sharks also have barbels, which they use to search for food on the seabed. Red mullet, hagfish and sturgeon also have barbels.

Vibrissae

Some marine mammals, like dogs and cats, have vibrissae, sensory hairs. These vibrissae help the animal find its food by sensing vibrations in the water that signal the presence of possible prey.

They also enable the animal to find its bearings and explore its environment, avoiding obstacles.

Among land animals, rodents, horses, cows and rabbits are also members of the Whiskers Club! Seals, walruses and manatees have vibrissae, as do sea lions.

Here at Nausicaá, among the group of sea lions, Kai stands out for her long whiskers, making her easy to identify.