Magnetoreception and magnetic navigation in fishes: a half century of discovery

Abstract

Overview

As a significant group in the vertebrate family, fishes exhibit an extensive range of sensory abilities that are crucial for navigation in the aquatic environment. One notable ability is magnetoreception, which allows them to detect Earth's magnetic field.

Findings

• Magnetoreception is widespread among fishes and plays a critical role across various spatial scales—from local movements to transoceanic migrations.
• Fishes use the Earth's magnetic field not only for direction but also as a map to pinpoint locations and navigate back to natal areas, especially noted in salmonid studies.
• The exact mechanisms of how fishes detect magnetic fields are still not fully understood, highlighting a gap in our knowledge and an area for further research.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the evolutionary significance of magnetoreception and suggests expanding research to include more fish species to further understand this phenomenon. There's a strong implication of the potential health risks related to electromagnetic field exposure, considering its significant biological role.