What defines the cathode in an electrofishing circuit?

In an electrofishing circuit, the cathode is defined as the negative electrode. This is crucial for understanding how the circuit operates and the role each component plays in electrofishing.

When direct current (DC) is applied in an electrofishing scenario, the cathode attracts positively charged ions in the water, including many species of fish that have a positive charge during the stimulation phase of electrofishing. This positive charge results from the natural polarization of the fish’s body in an electric field. Therefore, fish are drawn towards the cathode where they are temporarily immobilized due to the electrical stimulation.

Understanding this concept is essential for safe and effective electrofishing practices. The anode, on the other hand, is the positive electrode and has different functions in the circuit, primarily influencing the distribution of the electrical field rather than directly attracting fish.