May 17, 2025
Science

The miraculous ability of fish to produce electricity

  • July 8, 2024
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One of the most common species known to generate electricity is eel. But this Eel is not the only fish with this ability. Bride, How fish can produce

One of the most common species known to generate electricity is eel. But this Eel is not the only fish with this ability.

Bride, How fish can produce electricity and how they benefit from this electricity Let’s see.

The electrical signals that fish have underwater where light is limited; it helps them navigate, communicate and find their prey.

About 350 species of fish, has a special anatomical structure that produces and detects electrical signalsThese fish are divided into two depending on the amount of electricity they produce.

Scientists classify the first group as low-electric fish. Them, They produce up to one volt of electricity with electric organs near their tail. How is this electricity production achieved?

The fish’s brain sends a signal through the nervous system to the electric organ, which consists of cells called electrocytes.

These electrocytes normally discharge outward to create a positive charge on the outside and a negative charge on the inside. It pumps sodium and potassium ions.

However, when the nerve signal reaches the electrocyte ion gates open and positively charged gates rush in. The outer surface of the electrocyte thus becomes negatively charged and the inner portion becomes positively charged.

The secret of the powers of these fish is also Coordination of nerve signals to reach every cell simultaneously comes forward. This powers the electrocyte stacks like batteries connected in series.

The small charges in each of them together form an electric field of several meters.

Electrically detecting cells under the skin of fish allowing them to sense changes in this electric field caused by the environment and other fish. contributes.

For example, elephant fish have jaw organs called mandibular organs. It has a long jaw that is positioned between electrical sensors. This allows it to detect the signals of other fish, measure distances, and detect the shape and size of nearby objects.

But elephant fish and other low electric fish, They cannot produce enough electricity to attack their prey. This ability is unique to highly electric fish, which comprise only a handful of species.

Moreover, it is the fish that can produce the most electricity It is an electric knifefish, also called eel. Its electric organ extends nearly two meters along its body. Like other fish, it uses signals for navigation and communication.

Sources: TED-Ed, Natural History Museum

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