Microelectronic detection of activity level and magnetic orientation of yellow European eel, Anguilla anguilla L., in a pond

We studied the circadian and monthly activity, the distribution patterns, and orientation to the earth's magnetic field, of yellow (non-migratory) female eels in a freshwater pond by means of microchips injected into their muscles. Detectors for microchips mounted in tubes were placed in the po...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental biology of fishes 2005-03, Vol.72 (3), p.313-320
Main Authors: VAN GINNEKEN, V, MUUSZE, B, KLEIN BRETELER, J, JANSMA, D, VAN DEN THILLART, G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agnatha. Pisces
Anguilla anguilla
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Autoecology
Biological and medical sciences
Distribution patterns
Earth
Fresh water ecosystems
Freshwater
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Magnetic fields
Muscles
Ponds
Synecology
Vertebrata
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:We studied the circadian and monthly activity, the distribution patterns, and orientation to the earth's magnetic field, of yellow (non-migratory) female eels in a freshwater pond by means of microchips injected into their muscles. Detectors for microchips mounted in tubes were placed in the pond to detect if eels oriented themselves with respect to earth's magnetic field. Based on the frequency of tube visits (search for shelter), the data indicated that the presence of eel in the tubes decreases gradually during the study period. We saw more activity during the night in the first months. There was a seasonal component in the orientation mechanism, with a significantly lower preference component in the summer compared to the fall. A preference for tubes oriented in a south-southwest direction (the direction of the Sargasso Sea) in fall suggests an orientation to the earth's magnetic field.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0378-1909
1573-5133
DOI:10.1007/s10641-004-2585-2