Introduction:
Well, science has been investigating the communication between fish and with constantly improving technology, we can have now a better understanding of it.
Indeed, fish use sound to communicate underwater! As sound travels 4 times faster in water compared to in the air, it is difficult as humans to analyze and understand what is happening in relation to sounds underwater. Hopefully, now, we can use a “hydrophone” which allows us to listen to underwater acoustics, from different directions at the same time and record it. This technology has helped us to have a clearer comprehension of what is really happening in regard to marine life acoustics.
Fish communicate with each other in different ways and with different parts of their anatomy as they do not have vocal cords.
Development:
How do they communicate?
One way that fish communicate is by rubbing their bones or jaws together, as seen in species like bannerfishes. This behavior, known as stridulation, allows them to produce sounds. By creating these sounds, fish can convey important messages in their environment, especially when visibility is low.
(picture: bannerfishes)
Another way is used by parrotfish, they move quickly and use the noise of their change in direction to communicate with each other. This sound is an effective way to stay connected within their often large and dynamic schools.
(picture: parrotfish)
Some other species i.e. clownfish, use their swim bladder, which they rapidly contract and relax. This causes the bladder to vibrate and emit a drumming or humming sound, the swim bladder then acts as a resonating chamber.
(picture: clownfish)
Fun fact: In freshwater, herrings, have a surprising way of communicating: they produce bubbles to create sounds, often referred to as "farts", because they release gas through their anal ducts. The resulting high-pitched sounds are used to maintain group cohesion, especially in the dark, where visual signals are limited.
Why do they communicate?
The reason for communication of the fishe can vary in relation to species as well as environmental circumstances.
As said, it can be to maintain group cohesion, attracting a potential mate, or defending their territory. It can also be used in communal species to warn others of danger or predators. As well as while they are hunting together, to locate prey.
What kind of sounds?
Different species of fish produce distinct "tonalities" or sound frequencies, which are crucial for species-specific communication. For example, some fishes, produce low-frequency grunts, others, higher-pitched bubbles or ticks. The diversity in tonalities ensures that each species can effectively communicate in its unique group, helping maintain social structure and survival in the complex underwater world.
Finally, it is well-documented that human-generated noises, such as those from motors, construction, or underwater drilling, cause significant stress for the marine life. These sounds interfere with the natural acoustic environment that many aquatic species rely on for communication, navigation, and detecting predators. The constant noise pollution can disorient marine animals, making it harder for them to locate prey, find mates, or avoid threats. This highlights the urgent need to mitigate human noise pollution to protect the delicate balance of underwater ecosystems.
Conclusion:
In the magical underwater world, fish communication reveals a fascinating mix of adaptability and intelligence. From drumming swim bladders and jaw stridulation to the surprising use of bubbles, fishes employ diverse methods to communicate. However, human noise pollution threatens these vital communication systems, disrupting the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Understanding and protecting the marine biodiversity becomes a necessity. By reducing our noise footprint, we can ensure that the vibrant symphony of the oceans continues to thrive.
So maybe, next time that you are underwater, you can try between two breaths to pause and listen to the underwater music, what do you hear? ;)
