from pelican dreaming, 8/9/2004

Found word for the day

Otoliths — "earstones" — are small white bony structures found in the head of all fish other than rays, sharks, & lampreys. They provide a sense of balance in much the same way that the inner ear provides balance in humans. They also aid in hearing. In some fish, the otolith is connected through fine hairs to the swim bladder & this aids the fish to hear behind itself.