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Components of the lateral line system and their innervation were examined in Glossogobius olivaceus (Gobiidae), with almost all of the trunk scales bearing a row of superficial neuromasts, the latter comprising some 2,900 of the total (ca. 4,800) neuromasts on the body. The relationship between orientation and innervation of the superficial neuromasts on the head showed the buccal and mandibular rami to be clearly separated. On the trunk, the lateral ramus detached a number of branches, typically comprising dorsal, lateral and ventral ramules, to innervate neuromasts. Extensively distributed neuromasts were considered as an adaptation to a nocturnal habit, compensating for reduced vision.

Innervation of the lateral line canal system in seven batoid species (representing seven families in three orders) provided a reliable basis for the identification of each canal element. Previous topographic definitions of the canal elements have failed to recognize homologies within batoids for the scapular and hyomandibular canals. The former is innervated by the posterior lateral line nerve and the latter is innervated by an external mandibular branch of the anterior lateral line nerve. This indicates that the scapular canal is represented only by the scapular loop in Myliobatoidei.