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Magnetic field perception in the Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

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Abstract

In this study, we present evidence for the perception of different magnetic field parameters in a facultative anadromous fish species of the family Salmonidae. Magnetic field perception of the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, was demonstrated with a heartbeat conditioning test. The electrocardiogram was measured with subcutaneously inserted silver wire electrodes in freely swimming fish. We demonstrate a conditioned response (i.e. a significant longer interval between two heartbeats) to an intensity/inclination shift for three adult and two juvenile rainbow trouts. Moreover, a conditioned response to a 90° direction shift was demonstrated for three adult and two juvenile trouts. These findings support the hypothesis that the rainbow trout is able to perceive different magnetic field parameters. Furthermore, the study demonstrates magnetosensation in different developmental stages in the rainbow trout, i.e. juvenile and adult fish.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments on earlier versions of the manuscript and C. Distler for critically reading the manuscript. The experiments were approved by the local authorities (Regierungspräsidium Arnsberg) and carried out in accordance with the Deutsche Tierschutzgesetz of 12 April 2001, the European Communities Council Directive of November 1986 (S6 609 EEC) and NIH guidelines for care and use of animals for experimental procedures.

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  1. Department of General Zoology and Neurobiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany

    Jens Hellinger & Klaus-Peter Hoffmann

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  1. Jens Hellinger
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  2. Klaus-Peter Hoffmann
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Correspondence to Klaus-Peter Hoffmann.

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Hellinger, J., Hoffmann, KP. Magnetic field perception in the Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss . J Comp Physiol A 195, 873–879 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-009-0466-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-009-0466-z

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