David Starr Jones notes that "the otoliths of the river-drum are known to Wisconsin boys as 'lucky stones' each having a rude impress of the letter L. Lucky stones are also known in other freshwater areas of North America. Many beachcombers walk the beaches in the morning as the waves tend to wash small rocks, "beach glass" and lucky stones to the shore on a daily basis. Pressure exerted upon these neuromasts by movement of the otolith due to gravity or to acceleration of the fish provides information to the brain regarding the orientation of the fish's body." The Freshwater Drum, (Aplodinotus grunniens) is a freshwater species of drum from the Sciaenidae family, that is nicknamed sheepshead which can sometimes lead to confusion. In the living fish, the sulcus is adjacent to a series of neuromast cells in the inner ear. Sheepshead, (Archosargus probatocephalus) is a distinct and unique species of saltwater marine fish found in coastal areas. "The 'L-shaped groove' is technically known as a 'sulcus'. Spangler gives a technical explanation of the "letters" which appear on the lucky stone. University of Minnesota Biologist George R. The J stones come from the right side of the fish and the L stones come from the left side of the freshwater drum. This white "stone" is desirable to collectors as the letter L and the letter J appear naturally on these "lucky stones". Lucky stones wash up on beaches along the Great Lakes, especially Lake Erie. Lucky stones (otoliths) have been found at ancient archaeological sites, where they are thought to have been used as good luck charms to ward off illness. ![]() In times past they have been worn as protective amulets, made into jewelry, and traded into areas far from the fish's native range (such as Utah and California). The fish's otoliths are quite large and look almost polished and ivory-like. ( September 2009) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)Ī lucky stone is actually the unique ear bone or otolith of a freshwater drum ( Aplodinotus grunniens), also known as the sheephead fish. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. ![]() This article possibly contains original research.
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