What specialized function do the chemoreceptors packed within catfish barbels primarily serve?

Answer

Gustation (taste) plays the primary role in locating food

The barbels are densely packed with chemoreceptors, functioning like external taste buds, allowing the fish to effectively taste what they touch and smell chemicals in the water, emphasizing gustation in finding sustenance.

What specialized function do the chemoreceptors packed within catfish barbels primarily serve?
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