A device and a method are provided for reproducing complex electrical fields associated with aquatic species as they exist in nature, for the purpose of altering the behavior of like or unlike aquatic species. An aquatic species is selected for observation and isolated from other species to avoid interference. At least one of an attribute and a observable behavior of the isolated species is recorded as well as an electrical field signature associated with the isolated species. In another aspect, a method is provided for identifying a particular aquatic species in an unisolated environment according to a particular electrical field signature generated by various aquatic species.