Category: Fish
Anchovies are small, oily fish that are found in scattered areas throughout the world’s oceans. They tend to be tolerant of a large range of temperatures and salinity. They are an important food source for almost every predatory fish, and many birds, in their environment. Anchovies have also been an important food source for humans in many cultures around the world throughout history – ancient Romans, for example, fermented anchovies into a sauce known "Garum."
Undersea Conversations…
While it isn’t obvious, fish have ears, and are able to communicate to one another through sounds. They don’t have vocal chords, but instead vibrate their swim bladders, producing popping, grunting, moaning, barking, or chirping noises. While some species of fish, like the goldfish, are silent listeners, there are over 1000 species that are known to vocalize, and some, like the gurnard who are veritable chatterboxes. While we can’t have a conversation with them - at least not yet - it is theorized that they do it to attract mates, frighten away predators or competitors, to synchronize mating, call for help and warn others, or to orient themselves.
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
