Category: Fish
The common carp is native to Asia. Even though wild, native populations are considered vulnerable to extinction, it has been domesticated and introduced to aquatic environments all over the world – often with devastating consequences to local flora and fauna. Their history as a farmed fish dates back to Roman times, and they are still an important food source in many areas. Koi, the precious, colorful fish kept in ornamental ponds are a domesticated strain common carp.
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
