Real time control of aquarium light using electric discharge patterns of Gymnotus carapo fish

• Grant number: 12/08355-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2012
• End date: June 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics - Biophysics of Processes and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Reynaldo Daniel Pinto
• Grantee: Amanda Sofie Rios
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 11/50151-0 - Dynamical phenomena in complex networks: fundamentals and applications, AP.TEM

Abstract

We will address the effect of different intervals (on/off) of artificial light in the electric organ discharge patterns of Gymnotus carapo fish during electrolocalization and electrocommunication activities. We will choose some of the patterns with low probability and use them to control the light automatically. A computer with analog to digital and digital to analog interfaces (controlled by a homemade dynamic clamp protocol) will detect the fish firing patterns in real-time and compare them to the chosen ones, generating an output signal to turn the light on/off based on those patterns. In such conditions we will be able to infer if the distribution of patterns changes when the fish controls its own light, suggesting some learning capability. The student will implement all modifications needed in the experimental apparatus and will also develop programs for data analysis.(AU)