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Sound production in the pygmy sculpin Cottus paulus (Cottidae) during courtship and agonistic behaviours
1Fish Biodiversity Lab., Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. nicole.kierl@myfwc.com
Abstract:
A field study examined sound production in the pygmy sculpin Cottus paulus, a threatened species found only in Coldwater Spring (Coosa River drainage), Alabama where the study was conducted. Two distinct call types are made during both courtship and agonistic encounters: a single knock and a knock train. The duration of the knock train significantly differs between contexts, while the signal structure stays the same. Knock trains are longer when the intended audience is a female, while short and abrupt when intended for a male intruder.
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