Nagoya, Japan - December 12, 2024 In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Nagoya University have uncovered a unique motor control system in frogfish, a subgroup of anglerfish, that powers their specialized "fishing rod" used to lure and capture prey. Frogfish, known for their ability to blend into their surroundings, employ their illicium—an elongated dorsal fin with a lure resembling a clam worm—to attract small fish. The team, led by Professor Naoyuki Yamamoto, discovered that the motor neurons controlling this fin’s movement are located in a rare, distinct part of the spinal cord, separate from those of the other dorsal fins. This unusual motor neuron shift is believed to have evolved as the first dorsal fin transitioned from a swimming aid to a specialized hunting tool. The study’s findings, published in the Journal of Comparative Neurology, offer new insights into the evolution of vertebrate motor systems, potentially shedding light on human evolution and the development of specialized motor functions across species. [Credit: N Yamamoto and H Hagio]