Amazing Animals: This Tiny Fish Can Produce Sound as Loud as a Firework
A new study into one of the world’s smallest fish has revealed its unique drumming method that can generate a mighty sound.
The tiny fish, known as Danionella cerebrum. Credit: AngryBurmese - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0.
A new study has revealed that one of the world’s smallest fish can produce a sound that is as loud as a firework.
The Danionella cerebrum fish is found in streams and canals in Myanmar. Adults measure only 12mm in length - smaller than a dime coin - and the species has the smallest known adult brain in vertebrates.
Yet despite its small size, the fish is able to generate a mighty sound.
In a new paper, published in the PNAS journal, researchers have discovered just how this tiny fish can produce high amplitude sounds.
To conduct the research, scientists used high-speed video and a micro-CT scan to analyze the fish’s motions and behaviors.
They found that the unique sound production involves a drumming cartilage, a specialized rib, and dedicated muscle adapted for low fatigue.
When combined, the fish is able to accelerate the drumming cartilage at extreme forces, which then generates rapid, loud pulses.
Listen to the sound of the tiny Danionella cerebrum fish.
And the sound of these pulses exceeds 140 dB. Decibel charts rank this level of noise at the same loudness as a gunshot or firework, and louder than a jet plane taking off.
So why do these fish make this incredible sound?
Interestingly, only the males of the species produce sounds by this method. This is because the fish’s rib - used in the drumming process - is much harder in males than in females.
Scientists say that these drumming vibrations are used for acoustic communication with others of the same species. This helps them navigate the dark, murky waters of their habitat in Myanmar.
It is believed that male competition in this low-visibility environment likely led to the evolution of males developing their unique sound production.
The researchers say that the discovery helps to expand knowledge of animal motion, and helps add to our understanding of evolutionary biology and biomechanics.
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