In a groundbreaking study led by Columbia University researchers, African weakly electric fish, also known as elephantnose fish, have been found to possess a remarkable form of collective sensing akin to a hypothetical scenario where each member of a basketball team could see through the others’ eyes. This shared sensory perception among the fish could significantly aid them in locating food and identifying allies and adversaries in their environment. Led by Dr. Nathaniel Sawtell and Federico Pedraja, the study challenges assumptions about advanced social learning being unique to humans.
The researchers discovered that these electric fish can learn and execute complex, multi-step tasks as a group, hinting at elements of cumulative culture within these aquatic creatures. Explaining the findings, Dr. Sawtell noted, “In engineering, groups of emitters and receivers work together to improve sensing, similar to what may be happening in groups of fish that sense their environment using electrical pulses. These fish seem to ‘see’ much better in small groups.” The study provides compelling evidence that African weakly electric fish perform a swift act of collective sensing, a phenomenon not previously documented in the biological realm.
By utilizing specialized organs to emit and detect electric fields, these fish navigate their dark, murky river habitats in Africa. The researchers developed a computer model to simulate the electric environment of these fish, revealing that collective sensing could triple the electro-location range of electric fish, likely providing substantial survival benefits. Further investigation into the neural basis of this ability revealed brain recordings related to the electro sensory system, aligning with the simulation predictions.
Behavioral observations reinforced the notion of collective sensing, with the fish forming specific patterns facilitating shared sensing and engaging in electrical communication, suggesting a coordinated effort. This discovery opens new avenues for exploring animal intelligence and social learning evolution, offering insights into potential applications in artificial sensing technologies. The study, published in the journal Nature, signifies a significant leap in understanding collective behaviors in aquatic creatures.
