The Perception of Weak Electric D.C. Currents by the European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)

Journal Article

Title: The Perception of Weak Electric D.C. Currents by the European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)

Author:

Enger, P.; Kristensen, L.; Sand, O.

Publication Date:

July 3, 1976

Journal:

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology

Volume:

Issue:

Pages:

101-103

Publisher:

Elsevier

Affiliation

University of Oslo

Stressor:

EMF

Receptor:

Fish

Document Access

Website:

External Link

Citation

Enger, P.; Kristensen, L.; Sand, O. (1976). The Perception of Weak Electric D.C. Currents by the European Eel (Anguilla anguilla). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 54(1), 101-103. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0300-9629(76)80077-1

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Abstract

Eels were conditioned to exhibit bradycardia to d.c. electric currents.
Current thresholds averaged 0·08 μA/cm2 (lowest value 0·04 μA/cm2) in fresh water of resistivity 3 × 104 Ω·cm and increased with decreasing water resistivity (increasing salinity) to 9·5 μA/cm2 at 75 Ω·cm. Thresholds were 2–3 times higher for a current direction perpendicular than parallel to the fish's body.
Calculated voltage gradient thresholds were 0·4–0·6 mV/cm and independent of water resistivity, except for purest fresh water used (3 × 104 Ω·cm) where the threshold was 2·4 mV/cm.