Wireless sensing framework for long-term measurements of electric organ discharge

Abstract

This paper describes a customizable/extensible wireless sensor framework for long term monitoring and visualization of the electric organ discharges (EOD) of a weakly electric fish (Sternopygus macrurus). The system developed can be used to simultaneously visualize, in near-real time, the EOD signal of multiple fish residing in separate tanks. Furthermore, the sensing mechanisms used to detect EOD are non-invasive, minimizing side effects on the fishs' natural behavior. Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components are used extensively in this framework to lower cost of the system and its future enhancements. COTS components can be easily customized to support different sensors or communication methods. Experimental results involving four fish show accurate measurement of the electric field waveforms and indicate the presence of circadian rhythms in the EOD of the fish.