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How do electric fish use electric signals for communication?

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Compound eye — Senses Vespid wasps (Vespidae), similar to other insects, have compound eyes that consist of thousands of tiny optical units known as ommatidia, which contain light-sensitive photoreceptor cells.

Electric fish, specifically the mormyrids of Africa and the gymnotids of South America, utilize specialized bioelectric organs to generate electric signals for communication in environments where vision is limited, such as murky rivers.12

These fish produce rapid trains of electrical discharges by timing nervous impulses that activate electroplaques within their electric organs. Communication is facilitated through the following mechanisms:32

Signal Modulation: Fish can modulate the rates and waveforms of their discharges in complex ways to mediate social interactions.2
Social Signaling: These electrical signals are used to convey a variety of information, including threats, submission, alarm, and courtship.4
Recognition: Some species possess distinct electric signals that allow for individual, sex, and species recognition.4

Because of the high resistance of freshwater and the low voltages produced, this form of communication is typically effective only within a range of about one meter. The signals are detected by specialized tuberous electroreceptors located on the fish's body, which are sensitive to the alternating current (AC) fields generated by these discharges.24