Paul A. Anderson & David A. Mann (2011): Evoked potential audiogram of the
lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus (Perry), in terms of sound pressure and
particle acceleration. Environ. Biol. Fish 91 (3), 251-259.
Abstract: The hearing sensitivity of the lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus
(Perry), was determined for both sound pressure and particle acceleration using
the auditory evoked potential (AEP) technique. Hippocampus erectus demonstrates
hearing sensitivity typical of historically characterized hearing generalist
fishes, with best sensitivities below 600 Hz and maximum sensitivities of 105.0
± 1.5 dB SPL (re: 1 μPa) and 3.46 × 10−3 ± 7.64 × 10−4 m s−2 at 200 Hz. The
shapes of the audiograms for each modality are similar, suggesting relative
similarity in sensitivity between modalities for a given frequency. In light of
the importance of broadband sound in the acoustic landscape of this fish’s
environment, and broadband conspecific sound production that may be used in
intraspecific acoustic communication, audition to broadband sounds was also
estimated. Maximum broadband sensitivity at 200 Hz is estimated to be 92.0 ±
1.5 dB SPL (re: 1 μPa) and 7.73 × 10−4 ± 1.71 × 10−4 m s−2.
URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/pn0455242wl18800/
For reprints please contact Paul A. Anderson (email:
Linda Sebastianutto, Marta Picciulin, Marco Costantini & Enrico A Ferrero
(2011): How boat noise affects an ecologically crucial behaviour: the case of
territoriality in Gobius cruentatus (Gobiidae). Environ. Biol. Fish 92 (2),
207-215.
Abstract: Gobius cruentatus emit sounds during agonistic interactions. In order
to evaluate the effect of boat noise exposure on G. cruentatus territorial
behaviour, we played a field-recorded diesel engine boat noise during
aggressive encounters between an intruder and a resident fish in a
laboratory-controlled tank. We tested two factors: role (resident vs. intruder)
and condition (noisy vs. silent); the test animals underwent all the treatments
in a round-robin design. Agonistic behavior of the residents was modified by
boat noise: during the playback residents were more submissive and won less
encounters than in the control (silent) condition. We suggest that sound
production is an effective tool for territorial defense, since the impairment
of acoustic communication due to the recreational boat noise diminished the
ability of the resident to maintain its territory.
URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/y8182658q3337703/
For reprints please contact Linda Sebastianutto (email:
Patricia Speares & Carol Johnston (2011): Sound production in Etheostoma
oophylax (Percidae) and call characteristics correlated to body size. Environ.
Biol. Fish 92 (4), 461-468.
Abstract: Sound production in fishes is common in marine and freshwater
species, however there are still many vocal species for which sound production
has not been documented. This paper is the first account of sound production in
the Guardian Darter (Etheostoma oophylax). Laboratory recordings revealed that
males produced several vocalizations, including single pulse knocks,
multi-pulsed purrs, and tonal drums. All vocalizations were documented during
agonistic and courtship encounters, including spawning. We also investigated
possible correlations between call characteristics and male size. Male standard
length was found to be correlated to inter-pulse interval of purrs, as well as
the slope of the drum vocalizations. Determining a link between male size and
acoustic characteristics could be the first step in documenting mate or
male-male assessment by acoustic communication in darters.
URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/n32g7r1065234606/
For reprints please contact Patricia Speares (email:
Patrick D. Danley, Martin Husemann & Justin Chetta (2012): Acoustic diversity
in Lake Malawi’s rock-dwelling cichlids. Environ. Biol. Fish 93 (1), 23-30.
Abstract: The cichlids of Lake Malawi are one of the world’s most species rich
and phenotypically diverse groups of extant vertebrates. The extraordinary
variability of this group’s color patterns, reproductive behaviors, and trophic
morphologies are well documented. More recently, an additional axis of
phenotypic diversity has been identified. Lake Malawi cichlids have been shown
to use species-specific acoustic communication in both aggressive and
reproductive encounters. However, documentation of acoustic signals used by
this group is limited to a small number of taxa observed within the confines of
the laboratory. This study examines the acoustic signals produced by six
species spanning four genera of rock-dwelling cichlids recorded in their
natural habitat, the shallow waters surrounding Thumbi West Island, Lake
Malawi. Four acoustic parameters were quantified and compared between species:
trill duration, number of pulses per trill, pulse duration, and pulse period.
Using these characteristics, sympatric species within the genus Maylandia were
easily distinguished. Furthermore, a comparison of this data to previously
published acoustic data reveals possible geographic dialects within species.
URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/42l1164785q68gr8/
For reprints please contact Patrick Danley (email:
Kind regards
Sonja Amoser
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Dr. Sonja Amoser
Steinrieglstraße 286
3400 Weidlingbach
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