Proc Biol Sci February 2012 PMID 21795271

Electroreception in the Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis).

Nicole U Czech-Damal, Alexander Liebschner, Lars Miersch, Gertrud Klauer, Frederike D Hanke, Christopher Marshall, Guido Dehnhardt, Wolf Hanke

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Mentions

Peak: 1 in Jul 2011

across 6 sources since Jul 2011

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Jul 2011 – Aug 2025

Where it's discussed

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions show excitement about the findings, with posts like '@eglinski' emphasizing dolphins' rare electroreception skills, and mentions of sharks' sensory systems to contextualize the discovery. The tone varies from supportive to inquisitive, reflecting curiosity about the sensory adaptations and their evolutionary importance.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge and support the significance of the study, recognizing electroreception as an important discovery in marine mammal sensory biology.

InterestHigh interest

Posts demonstrate high curiosity and enthusiasm about electrosensory abilities, comparing dolphins to sharks and highlighting the novelty.

EngagementModerate engagement

Comments include references to the research methods and implications for understanding dolphin behavior, showing moderate enough depth.

ImpactModerate impact

While some posts highlight the potential scientific significance, overall there is recognition that this discovery could influence future marine biology research, but not with overwhelming urgency.

Abstract in brief

The study reveals that Guiana dolphins have electroreceptors in their vibrissal crypts on their rostrum, which were originally associated with whiskers, allowing them to detect weak electric fields.
Histological analysis showed these crypts contain well-innervated structures similar to electroreceptors found in other species like platypuses, indicating a sensory adaptation for electroreception.
Experiments demonstrated that these dolphins can detect electric fields as weak as 46 V/cm, highlighting a sensory ability that may be common among marine mammals with aquatic or semi-aquatic lifestyles.]

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All mentions

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Benjamin Holmes

@BenLoudAndClear · X

Body ports https://t.co/z0utfv8BS9

Aug 23, 2025 · 196 followers View post →

ken crichlow

@ken_crichlow · X

RT @eglinski: Electroreception in the Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) http://t.co/cwXv4TC #Dolphins are among the rare mammals who can…

Dec 4, 2023 · 2 shares · 3,948 followers View post →

MDB

@bar_barrack · X

Jun 12, 2021 · 1 like · 1,012 followers View post →

ElektorKobalt

@ElektorKobalt · X

@Mylestring Como detalle, parece ser que al menos en los delfines de Guayana el poro se mantiene porque se ha modificado como electrorreceptor https://t.co/3NwRN04xbt

Dec 15, 2020 · 15 followers View post →

International Society for Neuroethology

@neuroethology.org · Bluesky

Proc Roy Soc B: Electroreception in the Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) http://bit.ly/rdvEnd

Jul 27, 2011 View post →