How many fish could be vocal? An estimation from a coral reef (Moorea Island)

Eric Parmentier,David Lecchini,Marta Bolgan,Frédéric Bertucci

doi:10.26496/bjz.2021.82

Abstract

A recurrent question arising in fish bioacoustics research concerns the number of vocal fish species that may exist. Although it is not possible to provide a precise globally valid number, an estimation based on recordings already collected at coral reefs (Moorea) and on morphological approaches indicates that approximately half of the fish families of this particular environment has at least one known sound-producing species. In light of this, acoustic behaviour should be fully considered in biology, ecology and management plans as it may provide information on a consistent portion of fish biodiversity. Fish bioacoustics has switched from anecdotal reports to long-term, large-scale monitoring studies, capable of providing high resolution information on fish populations’ composition and dynamics. This information is vital for successful management plans in our quickly changing seas.

Highlights

In the last decades, increasing human pressure on marine ecosystems and resources, driven by demographic and economic growth, as well as by the diversification and intensification of maritime activities, poses unprecedented threats to global biodiversity and to the overall health of our seas
We here humbly attempted to estimate a first ratio of vocal species by taking advantage of a unique combination of extensive recordings and monitoring of the ichthyologic community of the coral reef of Moorea
Biodiversity assessments remain as one of the most difficult challenges encountered by ecologists and conservation biologists

Summary

Introduction

In the last decades, increasing human pressure on marine ecosystems and resources, driven by demographic and economic growth, as well as by the diversification and intensification of maritime activities, poses unprecedented threats to global biodiversity and to the overall health of our seas. These sounds can be considered as incidental or as by-products of fish activities and are not species- or family-specific. The increasing number of studies describing the vocal abilities of marine fish points to acoustic communication as an important aspect of teleost biology, which mediates social interactions during pivotal activities for fish survival and fitness.

Results

Conclusion