The effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics on the lateral line organ of Aplocheilus lineatus (Cyprinodontidae).

The effect of neomycin and streptomycin on the lateral line system of fishes was studied behaviourally by testing the animal's ability to localize a wave source. Increasing doses of both substances produce increasing loss of lateral line reactions, up to total inexcitability. The toxicity of both antibiotics was very similar. Lateral line sensitivity recovered 1-3 days after antibiotic removal.