Animal communication has always been a fascinating topic for scientists. However, one of the least explored mysteries lies in fish and their ability to interact with one another. Although fish don't have vocal cords or a developed language like humans, this doesn't mean they don't communicate. Recent studies have led us to discover just how complex and varied their communication can be.
Underwater sounds: A hidden symphony
Many people think the underwater world is silent, but this is far from the truth. Fish have a diverse repertoire of sounds that they use for different purposes, such as warning others of approaching predators, attracting mates, or defending their territory. A 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 through the rapid contraction of muscles associated with their swim bladder. In other words, 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 Cornell University ecologist Aaron Rice, the vocal repertoire of fish ranges from grunts and clicks to snores. How do they produce these sounds? Some fish grind their teeth, while others create noise by rapidly moving their fins or bodies through the water. These vocalizations not only occur spontaneously but can also be part of a "morning coral" or "night coral," similar to birdsong 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 fundamental, fish also employ other methods of communication. For example, some use body colors to send visual signals. This phenomenon is especially common in clear water, where the light allows the patterns and colors to be visible to other fish.
Furthermore, certain species, such as electric fish, communicate through electric discharges . These signals serve not only for orientation but also for communication with others of their species.
The role of habitat in communication
The aquatic environment greatly influences how fish communicate. In the open ocean, where visibility can be limited, acoustic communication is more common. In contrast, on coral reefs, fish use both color and body movements to communicate. These reefs, far from being silent, are filled with 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 survival of the species but also demonstrate the importance of communication in their daily lives. As studies progress, we discover that fish possess a far more sophisticated communicative capacity than we initially thought. Whether through sounds, colors, movements, or electrical signals, these underwater animals continue to surprise the scientific community.