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Related Experiment Videos

Click sounds produced by cod (Gadus morhua).

Heike I Vester1, Lars P Folkow, A S Blix

  • 1Department of Arctic Biology and Institute of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway.

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|March 6, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) produce distinct sonic clicks when approached by predator-like bodies. These sounds, recorded in controlled pool environments, may serve to startle predators.

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Area of Science:

  • Marine Biology
  • Bioacoustics
  • Animal Behavior

Background:

  • Fish and marine mammals produce a variety of sounds.
  • The acoustic repertoire of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is not well-documented.
  • Understanding fish vocalizations can provide insights into their ecological interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the source and characteristics of conspicuous sonic click sounds recorded in the presence of Atlantic cod.
  • To determine the behavioral context associated with the production of these sounds.

Main Methods:

  • Acoustic recordings were made in a pool setting with cod (Gadus morhua) exposed to harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus), hooded seals (Cystophora cristata), or a human diver.
  • Control recordings were conducted with salmon (Salmo salar) and seals separately, and seals with salmon.
  • Analysis of recorded click sounds included peak frequency, duration, and sound pressure level.

Main Results:

  • Distinct sonic click sounds were exclusively recorded when cod were present and approached by a swimming predator-like body (seals or diver).
  • These sounds were not detected in the presence of salmon or when seals and fish were housed separately.
  • Analyzed clicks averaged a peak frequency of 5.95 kHz, duration of 0.70 ms, and sound pressure level of 153.2 dB re 1 microPa at 1 m.

Conclusions:

  • Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) are the source of the recorded sonic clicks.
  • The clicks are produced in response to the approach of potential predators.
  • The sounds may function as a predator-startling mechanism, though further research is needed to confirm the mechanism and purpose.

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