Knifefishes are amazing animals for a variety of reasons not the least of which is the fact that they can generate and detect weak electrical fields around their bodies. I say weak but there are exceptions electric eels belong to this order (Gymnotiformes) and they use their strong electrical discharges for stunning prey and in defense. Most commonly, the electrical fields in knifefishes are used to navigate their surroundings, find food, communicate between individuals, and even identify specific individuals (same species). There are over 200 described knifefishes and undoubtedly more awaiting discovery. Fish are a huge part of the biodiversity of these rainforests and are an integral component to healthy forests - including the knifefishes. This is Apteronotus albifrons; it was photographed in the Peruvian Amazon, 2018. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Fenolio, Dante |
Bildgröße: | 6000 px × 4000 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |