The effect of noise on behavior and acoustic communication in the blacktail shiner (Cyprinella venusta).

Abstract

Despite their seemingly quiet underwater habitat, freshwater fishes are not sheltered from elevated noise levels. Anthropogenic noise along with natural noise sources increase noise levels in aquatic environments. Higher noise levels can result in elevated hearing thresholds and decrease the signal‐to‐noise ratio of acoustic signals. Because many fishes use acoustic signals during critical life history stages, it is important to determine whether elevated noise levels affect behavior or sound production during these stages. This study describes sound production and corresponding behaviors as well as hearing in the black tail shiner (Cyprinella venusta). An attempt was also made to determine the effect of elevated noise levels on acoustic communication and behaviors associated with reproduction and aggression. Behavioral interactions of C. venusta were recorded under noisy and quiet acoustic conditions. Temporal and spectral parameters of the calls as well as the type and number of behaviors performed by the dominant male of each trial were compared between the two conditions to determine if noise affected them. Hearing sensitivity and range were determined using the auditory brainstem response approach.