Modeling the electric field and natural environment of weakly electric fish

Abstract

Weakly electric fish use a unique sensory modality in order to help them communicate, navigate and find prey. These fish emit electric discharges that are monitored by electroreceptors located in the fish's skin. Surrounding objects perturb these baseline transdermal potentials and create electric images. The study of these images has led to a better understanding of general sensory processing principles; however, many aspects of these fish's natural electrosensory environment remain unknown. To this end, a two-dimensional finite element model of Apteronotus leptorhynchus was created. Using this model, we suggest new ways by which electric fish are able to locate objects and propose that it is possible for these fish to extract useful information from their environment using their natural scanning behaviour. Our results also reveal important limitations in standard experimental paradigms that aim to mimic the effects of conspecifics. Alternative paradigms that will enable more realistic stimulation are suggested.