Scientists have found one of the world’s smallest fish that can make a sound as loud as a gunshot. Researchers believe the species is the loudest fish for its size yet found. The 12-mm transparent fish produces sounds that exceed 140 decibels.
Danionella cerebrum measures about the width of a human nail and is found in the streams of Myanmar, according to a report in The Guardian . They used a high-speed camera to investigate what mechanism the fish use to produce sound, the outlet further said.
Scientists Discover Unique Sound Production in Transparent Fish
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reveals that researchers at Charite University in Berlin have identified a remarkable sound production system in the fish species Danionella cerebrum. This fish utilizes a specialized drumming cartilage, unique rib structure, and fatigue-resistant muscle to create rapid and loud sound pulses.
The study highlights that this adaptation enhances our understanding of animal locomotion and the various propulsion mechanisms found in nature, contributing to the fields of evolutionary biology and biomechanics.
What sets Danionella cerebrum apart from other noisy fish is its transparency, which allows scientists to observe its brain activity and behavior in real-time. Although the precise reasons for the fish’s loud sounds remain unclear, researchers suggest that these sounds may assist in navigating murky waters or serve as a warning tactic among males to deter competition.
