Detection and localization of conspecifics in ghost knifefish are influenced by the relationship between the spatial organization of receptors and signals.

Abstract

The detection and localization of signals rely on arrays of receptors, and their spatial organization plays a key role in determining the accuracy of the system. Weakly electric ghost knifefish rely on a distributed array of electroreceptors to detect spatially diffuse electric signals from conspecifics. While we know that spatial resolution for small objects, such as prey, is enhanced near the head due to a high receptor density, it is not clear how receptor organization influences the processing of global and diffuse signals from conspecifics. Using spatially realistic modeling, we quantified how receptor density influences detection and localization accuracy for conspecific signals across varying distances. Our main result demonstrates that receptor density markedly enhances detection accuracy in frontal regions at intermediate distances (35-50 cm) yet surprisingly contributes minimally to improving localization accuracy. This highlights a fundamental principle: receptor convergence primarily benefits signal detection when dealing with spatially diffuse stimuli, even though higher receptor density can enhance localization accuracy for spatially delineated signals. Our findings extend beyond the electrosensory modality, drawing parallels with other sensory systems, and offer broader insights into spatial processing principles.