The olfactory rosettes of Tarletonbeania crenularis are contained within paired membranous olfactory chambers opening to the exterior through a pair of nostrils. The margins of the anterior nostril form an infundibulum that may direct a current of water between the lamellae of the olfactory rosette and out of the posterior nostril as the fish swims through the water. The number of lamellae in a rosette is variable, and each consists of an olfactory epithelium containing receptor cells, supporting cells, basal cells, mucus cells and bipolar neurons. The olfactory surface for the most part is nonciliated and appears rugose in scanning electron micrographs. Receptor elements are located along the central axis of the rosette and on the surfaces of the distal margins of the lamellae.