Electric and near-field acoustic detection, a comparative study.

Abstract

The acceleration fields in the vicinity of quietly moving prey are governed by the same mathematical equation as the bioelectric fields aquatic animals produce. Hence, to reach their prey, predatory fish may use the inertial sense organs of the inner ear in a similar fashion as sharks and rays use the electroreceptors, the ampullae of Lorenzini. Besides the acceleration fields, predatory fish may detect the velocity fields of the prey, responding to the accelerations the inner ear receives from the spatial differences in the velocity experienced over time due to the relative motion between predator and prey.