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BC: Scientist Discovers Herring Sounds |
| November 17, 2003 |
 | | Dr. Ben Wilson discovered that herring release air from their anal region, producing sounds called Fast Repetitive Ticks (FRTs). Click the image to listen to herring FRTs. |
Herring produce sounds, called Fast Repetitive Ticks (FRTs), through their anal region, according to a study published in the online journal Biology Letters. Dr. Ben Wilson first discovered the fish flatulence while studying captive wild-caught herring at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Dr. Wilson observed the release of bubbles from the anal region at the same time as the sounds were produced. According to the paper’s abstract, the fish may be creating the noise by releasing air from their gut or swim bladder. The FRT sounds lasted between 0.6 and 7.6 seconds and were usually produced at night. Both Pacific and Atlantic herring produced FRTs.
The reason for herring FRTs are not known, however, the herring release more sounds when they swim in larger groups so the authors suggest that FRTs may be used for communication. Many animals in the ocean are known to depend on sound to navigate, communicate, hunt, and avoid predators. This study warns that herring communication may be another important consideration for evaluating the effects of human noise pollution on ocean animals.
Source: Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
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