Shark’s Electroreception

Like many fish sharks also have another sense, a sixth sense, which we don’t know much about. They are able to detect tiny electrical impulses in the water. As all animals produce some electrical signals this can be very useful! They can detect movement in the water from hundreds of meters away. They can pick up electrical signals generated by their prey, making it possible to feel other animal movements.

This sixth sense is made possible thanks to electro-receptive organs called Ampullae of Lorenzini. These were discovered only recently. The Ampullae are jelly-filled pores. These pores are located all around their heads with a greater concentration around their snouts and are connected to the brain through nerve endings. Basically, these ampullae are electrical field-sensing devices. Every living creature produces an electrical field which sharks can detect.

Strangely enough, a shark will sometimes attack a metal object. This is because, in salty seawater, metal gives off electric signals, which confuse the shark into thinking it is prey. This means a shark cannot only detect its prey but a diver or potential hunters without seeing them.

Shark is a kind of fish that is protected. You can find them on  places like sea world. They take care sharks, of course unlike birds, dogs, cats or goldfish, sharks have special needs. Got interested with shark and other fish? Well you should, because fish are fantastic animals and you can have them as your pets.