The paddlefish rostrum functions as an electrosensory antenna in plankton feeding

A novel electrosensory function is presented for the large, plankton–feeding, freshwater paddlefish, Polyodon spathula, along with a hypothesis which accounts for the distinctive, elongated rostrum of this unusual fish. Behavioural experiments conducted in the ‘dark’ (under infrared illumination), to eliminate vision, show that paddlefish efficiently capture planktonic prey to distances up to 80–90 mm. They make feeding strikes at dipole electrodes in response to weak low–frequency electrical currents. Fish also avoid metal obstacles placed in the water, again in the dark. Electrophysiological experiments confirm that the Lorenzinian ampullae of paddlefish are sensitive to weak, low–frequency electrical signals, and demonstrate unequivocally that they respond to the very small electrical signals generated by their natural zooplankton prey (Daphnia sp.). We propose that the rostrum constitutes the biological equivalent of an electrical antenna, enabling the fish to accurately detect and capture its planktonic food in turbid river environments where vision is severely limited. The electrical sensitivity of paddlefish to metallic substrates may interfere with their migrations through locks and dams.