A history of fish bioacoustic studies

Abstract

Interest in fish sound production and hearing dates back to the writings of Aristotle (384–322 BCE) and Pliny the Elder (23–79 CE), both of whom noted not only that fish make sounds, but also speculated that fish must be able to hear despite their not having apparent ears. The fact that fish could hear was first demonstrated with the work of G. H. Parker in 1903 and later by Karl von Frisch. Studies on sound production were sporadic in the early part of the 20th century and often based on anecdotes until technology derived from antisubmarine warfare became available after World War II. This equipment enabled investigators to listen to fish and correlate sounds with behavior. It was not until the early 1960s that intensive investigations started on fish hearing. This paper will review the history of the study of fish bioacoustics and discuss the contributions of a large number of investigators including those of Arthur Myrberg. Indeed, Art’s research stands as a landmark in the field, as well as a fine example of true scholarship. Furthermore, his charismatic presentations of his work were instrumental in stimulating the investigations of other scientists.Interest in fish sound production and hearing dates back to the writings of Aristotle (384–322 BCE) and Pliny the Elder (23–79 CE), both of whom noted not only that fish make sounds, but also speculated that fish must be able to hear despite their not having apparent ears. The fact that fish could hear was first demonstrated with the work of G. H. Parker in 1903 and later by Karl von Frisch. Studies on sound production were sporadic in the early part of the 20th century and often based on anecdotes until technology derived from antisubmarine warfare became available after World War II. This equipment enabled investigators to listen to fish and correlate sounds with behavior. It was not until the early 1960s that intensive investigations started on fish hearing. This paper will review the history of the study of fish bioacoustics and discuss the contributions of a large number of investigators including those of Arthur Myrberg. Indeed, Art’s research stands as a landmark in the field, as well as a fine exa...