Sharks possess an amazing sense called electroreception. The ability to sense tiny electrical currents is outside of our range of abilities and may not seem all that useful. But I think you'll be surprised at how remarkably handy this sense can be if you are a shark searching for food in the vast ocean
realms. The electro-sensory system of a
shark is so sensitive that it can detect the tiny electrical currents generated
by the muscles of a fish swimming nearby, a great advantage for those trying to
find prey in the pitch-black. This
ability would be like a magic sixth sense to us, considering that a shark can
detect the electrical signals given off by the beating of a fish’s heart (or
human’s heart for that matter).
Consider
the implications! As soon as you jump
into the ocean, every shark in the vicinity knows you are there. There’s no hiding behind a boat or chunk of
coral. If your heart is beating or your
muscles are twitching, sharks will sense the electrical current.
Sharks have
by far the highest level of electrical sensitivity of any animal on the planet.
Electroreception is based on a system of sensory organs called the ampullae of Lorenzini (see my article to learn more).
Electroreceptor
pores on the snout of a Leopard Shark. Photo by Albert Kok on Wikimedia
CC-by-03
The
electrical sensitivity of a shark is equivalent to being able to detect the
electric field of a flashlight battery connected to electrodes placed 10,000
miles (16,000 kilometres) apart in the ocean.
Seems like a stretch, doesn’t it! Believe me, this is based on extensive
research.
How many senses do sharks have? How does electroreception work? What are the lateral lines used for?
If you want to learn how electroreception works and about all seven of the amazing senses that sharks possess, check out my recent article on biogeoplanet.com.
