Page 83 - Design in Nature

Communication and Target Location Systems 81

Non-conductive object

Electrical image
Electrical organ
Conductive object

in the form of signals that momentarily create an electrical force field

surrounding it. Any object within this field refracts it, by which the fish is
informed of the size, conductivity and movement of the object. On the body
of fish, there are electrical sensors that continuously detect the field just as

do radar.
In short, these fish have a radar that transmits electrical signals and
interprets the alterations in the fields caused by objects interrupting these
signals around their bodies. When the complexity of radar used by humans

is considered, the wonderful creation in the body of fish becomes clear.

Special Purpose Receptors

In the bodies of these fish, there are various types of receptors.
Ampullary receptors detect the low frequency electrical signals given off by
other swimming fish or insect larvae. These receptors are so sensitive that
they can even detect the magnetic field of the earth as well as gather

information on prey and predators.