Fish can tell when something smells fishy

When humans get the feeling that something isn’t quite right, we’ll typically muse that ‘something smells fishy’. The origins of that phrase may stem from the fish market, however, Biologist Dr. Reehan Mirza is identifying its accuracy in the depths of lakes and rivers, and it’s the fish themselves that are sensing the odour.

In an upcoming lecture, titled Scents and sensibility: How fishes and amphibians use their sense of smell to avoid being eaten, you can find out all about his work. It takes place January 16 at 7 p.m. in the Harris Learning Library as the third installment of Nipissing’s Award Winners Speaker Series.

Humans tend to rely on vision to interact with their environment.  In aquatic systems, chemical cues tend to be more reliable for animals to gain information from their environment, particularly in regards to detecting and avoiding predators.  Most fishes and amphibian larvae have a well-developed sense of smell and can use odours in the water to determine the presence of predators, what predators have been eating and even the size of the predator.  This strongly suggests the importance of being able to smell in order to survive.  It also leads to serious concerns in an environment polluted by heavy metals, organic pollutants and toxins produced by blue-green algae, which can impair the ability of aquatic animals to smell their surroundings and alter their ability to survive predation.The presentation is free of charge and all are welcome.

The Award Winners Speakers Series was introduced this year in celebration of the university’s 20th anniversary as an independent degree granting institution.  The series features Nipissing faculty who have earned a prestigious Research Achievement Award, speaking about their work. 

Mark your calendars for more upcoming presentations in the Research Achievement Awards Speakers Series: February 26, Dr. Callie Mady, Schulich School of Education April 2, Dr. Susan Srigley, Department of Religions and Cultures