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Production of acoustic signals during aggression in Coosa bass, Micropterus coosae

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Abstract

Although sound production has been described for sunfishes, it is previously unknown for basses, both groups of fishes in the family Centrarchidae. We document production of acoustic signals during aggressive encounters in Coosa bass, Micropterus coosae. During dyadic encounters, presumptive winners of contests produced sounds associated with a variety of behaviors, including chases, lateral displays, circle swims, nudging, jerking and during post aggression, while fish were stationary. These sounds are low-frequency, non-harmonic and consist of one to 41 separate pulses. In most trials larger fish won contests, regardless of territory ownership (which fish was put into the test tank first) and size difference.

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Acknowledgments

Thanks to A. R. Henderson, R. A. Kennon, N. R. Ozburn, and L. R. Casten for assistance with fish collection and animal care.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fish Biodiversity Lab, Department of Fisheries, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA

    Carol E. Johnston, Mary K. Bolling, Dan E. Holt & Catherine T. Phillips

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  1. Carol E. Johnston
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  2. Mary K. Bolling
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  3. Dan E. Holt
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  4. Catherine T. Phillips
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Correspondence to Carol E. Johnston.

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Johnston, C.E., Bolling, M.K., Holt, D.E. et al. Production of acoustic signals during aggression in Coosa bass, Micropterus coosae . Environ Biol Fish 82, 17–20 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-007-9232-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-007-9232-7

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