How does the lateral line system help schooling clupeiform fishes orient themselves?

The lateral line system is a series of sensory organs extending along the side of a fish that detects water movements and pressure changes. In clupeiform fishes, this system is believed to play a significant role in maintaining the cohesion of schools, particularly after nightfall when visual contact is limited.12

By sensing the water displacement and movements of neighboring fish, the lateral line system helps individuals orient themselves within the group and prevents them from straying. This sensory input allows the school to maintain its structure and move with the precision of a single organism, even in the absence of a designated leader. While schooling behavior is also influenced by visual cues, the lateral line system serves as a vital mechanism for spatial awareness and coordination among members of the school.12