In the watery depths of Myanmar’s streams resides a remarkable creature: the male Danionella cerebrum. Despite its tiny size of about 12mm, this fish possesses an astonishing ability – it can produce sounds as loud as a gunshot.
Recently published in the PNAS journal, a study reveals that these fish emit sounds exceeding 140 decibels, rivaling the intensity of an ambulance siren or a jackhammer, reports The Guardian.
Scientists discover tiny fish that makes loud noise. Listen to the loud noise the Danionella cerebrum makes.https://t.co/svYYBNAbSS pic.twitter.com/ChFTWXGYJ0
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 27, 2024
How tiny fish create loud sounds
Delving into the mystery of how these tiny fish create such loud sounds, scientists from Charité University in Berlin uncovered a unique mechanism. Unlike most fish, whose sound production relies on vibrations of their swim bladder, the Danionella cerebrum employs a distinct system involving specialized muscles and cartilage. This mechanism allows the fish to generate rapid, forceful pulses, surpassing the capabilities of its swim bladder-related counterparts.
Through meticulous high-speed video recordings, the team deciphered the intricacies of the fish’s sound production. They observed that a rib adjacent to the swim bladder is manipulated by a unique muscle, causing it to strike a piece of cartilage and produce a distinctive drumming sound. Notably, this rib is substantially tougher in males, explaining why females do not produce sounds.
While the reason behind these fish’s loud sounds remains elusive, scientists speculate potential functions. These loud emissions could aid navigation in murky waters or serve as aggressive signals, allowing males to assert dominance and ward off competitors.
As we unravel the mysteries of these tiny creatures, we gain valuable insights into the fascinating world of evolutionary biology and biomechanics.
