Barbels , whisker-like structures near the mouth of fish such as catfish, are covered with taste buds and are used in locating food. Hearing in fish is well developed, however. Water carries sound much better than air and the sound waves are picked up through the fish's body. The holes have nerve connections that are sensitive to vibrations. The lateral line is used form schooling, avoiding obstacles and detecting prey and predators.
Some bony fish can detect weak electrical fields through pit organs on their heads and faces.
Buoyancy Neutral buoyancy, the ability to remain motionless in the water without rising or sinking, is of great importance to a fish. It allows a fish to spend energy feeding, escaping predators or mating that would otherwise be needed to maintain its position in the water. Several strategies help achieve neutral buoyancy. Most bony fish have a structure called a swim bladder , which is a balloon-like organ in the body cavity. Gases from the blood are added or removed to control buoyancy at different depths.