La animal communication has always been a fascinating subject for scientists. However, one of the least explored mysteries lies in fish and their ability to interact with each other. Although fish do not have vocal cords or a developed language like humans, this does not mean that they do not communicate. Recent studies have led us to discover how complex and varied their communication can be.
Underwater sounds: A hidden symphony
Many people think that the underwater world is silent, but this is far from true. Fish have a diverse repertoire of sounds that they use for different purposes, such as warning others about the arrival of predators, attracting mates or defending their territory. study published in Ichthyology & Herpetology revealed that fish have used sounds to communicate for 155 million years, making them one of the first vertebrates to develop forms of acoustic communication.
Among the most studied species, ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) stand out for their ability to generate sounds by rapidly contracting muscles associated with the swim bladder. That is, they use this organ not only to control their buoyancy, but also to create acoustic vibrations.
What types of sounds do fish make?
According to ecologist Aaron Rice of Cornell University, the sound repertoire of fish The vocalizations range from “grunts” and “clicks” to “snorts.” How do they make these sounds? Some fish grind their teeth, while others create noise by rapidly moving the water with their fins or bodies. These vocalizations not only occur spontaneously, but can also be part of a “morning coral” or “night coral,” similar to the songs of birds at dawn and dusk.
Of the 175 families de peces analyzed, it was found that Two thirds of them have the capacity to communicate through sounds. This discovery challenges the previous belief that only a minority of fish possessed such an ability.
Other forms of communication: Beyond sound
Although sounds are essential, fish also use other methods of communication. For example, some use body colors to send visual signals. This phenomenon is especially common in clear waters, where light allows patterns and colors to be visible to other fish.
In addition, certain species, such as electric fish, communicate using electric shockThese signals not only serve to orient themselves, but also to communicate with others of their species.
The role of habitat in communication
The aquatic environment greatly influences how fish transmit their messages. In the oceans, where visibility can be limited, acoustic communication is more common. In contrast, on coral reefs, fish use both colour and body movements to communicate. These reefs, far from being silent, are full of sounds emitted by fish and other marine animals.
Why do fish communicate?
Fish have several reasons for communicating, including:
- Partner attraction: They make sounds and display visual signals to attract mates during mating.
- Territorial defense: They use vocalizations or gestures to warn other fish that they are invading their space.
- Predator Warnings: They alert members of their group to the presence of nearby dangers.
- Group coordination: In schools, fish synchronize their movements using acoustic and visual signals.
These behaviors not only ensure the species survival, but they also demonstrate the importance of communication in their daily lives. As studies progress, we discover that fish have a much more sophisticated communication capacity than we initially thought. Whether through sounds, colors, movements or electrical signals, these underwater animals continue to surprise the scientific community.