Fish larvae produce sounds

What is it about?

For the first time, we show that pre-settlement gray snapper larvae produce sounds similar to the adults of this species. We suggest that the sounds may enhance group cohesion during the pelagic phase.

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Why is it important?

The behaviors of fish in their early life-history stages, and potential mechanisms for group navigation, are not well understood. This work sheds light on a previously undescribed behavior in fish larvae, and opens the door for further research on the acoustic ecology of planktonic organisms. Finally, given the rise of anthropogenic noise in the ocean, it is important to consider the impacts on these communication systems.