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How do sea robins use their detached lower pectoral fin rays?
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scorpaeniform
Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa).
Sea robins, which belong to the scorpaeniform order, possess unique pectoral fins where the bottom few rays are detached from the membrane. These specialized rays serve two primary functions:12
- Locomotion: The fish use these rays to "walk" along the ocean floor.12
- Sensory perception: The rays act as feelers, allowing the fish to detect mollusks, crustaceans, and other bottom-dwelling prey.1