Biomaterial Database

Communication by harmonization of electric organ discharge frequencies by Eigenmannia virescens (Sternopygidae, Pisces). 1977

P Gaddis

Spectrum analysis of the combined electric organ discharges of confined, interacting Eigenmannia virescens individuals indicated 1) the relative frequency position of each individual in the group's "chord" was invariably conserved, i.e. the fish do not cross each other in frequency; 2) the ratios of 2:3 and 3:4 between the frequencies of two individuals were conserved over intervals of many days; 3) changes in group size induced frequency shifts that were often quite dramatic. It is suggested that this "chord" may function in the communication of information regarding a group's spatial position and its social rank relations.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D004557	Electric Organ	In about 250 species of electric fishes, modified muscle fibers forming disklike multinucleate plates arranged in stacks like batteries in series and embedded in a gelatinous matrix. A large torpedo ray may have half a million plates. Muscles in different parts of the body may be modified, i.e., the trunk and tail in the electric eel, the hyobranchial apparatus in the electric ray, and extrinsic eye muscles in the stargazers. Powerful electric organs emit pulses in brief bursts several times a second. They serve to stun prey and ward off predators. A large torpedo ray can produce of shock of more than 200 volts, capable of stunning a human. (Storer et al., General Zoology, 6th ed, p672)	Electric Organs,Organ, Electric,Organs, Electric
D005399	Fishes	A group of cold-blooded, aquatic vertebrates having gills, fins, a cartilaginous or bony endoskeleton, and elongated bodies covered with scales.
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D000819	Animal Communication	Communication between animals involving the giving off by one individual of some chemical or physical signal, that, on being received by another, influences its behavior.	Animal Communications,Communication, Animal,Communications, Animal