Singing Fish Courts Females with Mysterious Song

Male singing fish try to impress females with serenades.

The plainfin midshipman fish are also called singing fish

Researchers have recently discovered an interesting habit of a so-called singing fish. This species is spread in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, and the individuals have one of the most amazing courtship rituals in the animal kingdom. The males seem to sing specific songs in the middle of the night to please their female mates.

A team of researchers at the Cornell University was intrigued about the peculiar habit of an ocean fish species to make particular sounds at night. The singing fish is actually called plainfin midshipman, and the males have the extraordinary task of courting females. Scientists decided to study them in their laboratories and decipher the mystery of their songs.

According to the specialists’ study, the circadian rhythm of the fish triggers the nocturnal behavior. The process is also related to hormones and the reproductive functions of the fish. Circadian rhythms can be encountered in all living creatures, including humans, and they are responsible for basic things, like sleeping hours.

The researchers’ observations show that the inner biological clock of plainfin midshipman fish announces them about the breeding season. During this important period, the courtship ritual is much more important than sleep.

Andrew Bass was the main author of the study. He stated that the hormones could send the right messages to the brain of plainfin midshipman fish. Later signals trigger their interesting behavior of singing by night.

The scientists noted that the fish produce these distinctive sounds by filling their abdomen with air. They noted that a single hum of the singing fish could last even for two hours. By studying the fish’s behavior, they observed that male plainfin midshipman individuals tend to build their nests close to the shore. Their action is meant to attract females. However, when it comes to the singing part, males tend to sing together, like an impressive choir.

Experts in marine life add plainfin midshipman fish to the list of animals in the ocean which use powerful sounds. Whales and dolphins are already champions in the field and master the technique of echolocation. The process helps them both communicate and navigate. Researchers observed that the nocturnal sounds also play a very important role in the process of socialization of the singing fish.

The researchers in charge of the study concluded that the plainfin midshipman fish is one of the fascinating creatures in the oceans and land due to its singing qualities.

The study on the mysterious singing fish was published in Current Biology, on September 22.

Image courtesy of: Wikipedia

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Filmmaker and Motivational Speaker Greg S. Reid is a #1 best-selling author, entrepreneur, and the CEO of several successful corporations, who has dedicated his life to helping others achieve the ultimate fulfillment of finding and living a life of purpose. In addition to that Greg is a full-time husband and father of a three year old boy, Colt. In addition to being published in over 35 books and featured on Nationally Syndicated programs across the country, he is also the creator and producer on the International acclaimed films Pass It On, and Three Feet From Gold. His unique style has made him a highly sought-after Keynote Speaker for Corporations, Universities and Charitable organizations alike. Currently, Don Green, CEO The Napoleon Hill Foundation has hand selected Greg to expand on Hill's historic principles found in the 20th best selling book of all time ~ Think and Grow Rich. Check our one of Greg's Best Selling Books, Three Feet From Gold, Stickability and Offspring Of Thought