Electrical organs are (Hildebrand):

• Found in about 500 species of fish.

• Located in the head, tail, or trunk.

• Mostly derived from muscle cells.

• Used for communication, navigation, detection of prey, offense, defense, and recognition of other fish. Communication includes certain sexual behaviors. Navigating by electricity allows successful movement in very murky water. Interactions with prey include detecting very slight electrical potentials or using electricity to stun the prey.

• Made up of thin cells called electroplates that are stacked in columns, across which electric potential is generated (Schmidt).

© 2005 Ana Marx