Deadly red piranhas use three sounds including barking and drumming to control underwater conflicts

Scientific research

A study has confirmed that the red-bellied Piranha possesses a complex acoustic communication system. Contrary to previous belief, these predatory fish make three distinctive sounds including bark-like sounds, drumming and croaking that serve as specific messages for peers during social interactions and conflicts. This discovery, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, significantly expands the known contacts of piranhas.

Deadly red piranhas use three sounds including barking and drumming to control underwater conflicts

Deadly red piranhas use three sounds including barking and drumming to control underwater conflicts

The main results and the connection of Piranha

New research has revealed that the Red Piranha's arsenal of weapons extends to very specific sounds used to communicate intent, aggression and possibly attraction.

The study by Sandy Millot, Pierre Vandewalle and Eric Parmentier from the University of leverg often translated from the German context as lutech used sensitive underwater recording equipment hydrophones in a research aquarium. By analyzing audio and video footage, the researchers were able to correlate the sounds of the specific piranha with three different behavioral contexts

The three distinct Piranha sounds

The sound of barking aggression - warning

 Context used when a piranha encounters a peer and usually demands to stay away from other fish. It is believed that this is a direct aggressive warning.

The sound of short-conflict drums-defense

 The context is emitted when the fish are fighting for food or are cornered and pursued by competitors. It is believed that this brief sound is an alarm, a sign of severe distress or combat readiness.

Soft grinding croaking sound attractive-social

 Context is produced by moving the jaws and is emitted when the fish tries to attract or attract the attention of another counterpart.

Scientific significance

While scientists previously knew that piranhas can make noise, the exact timing, cause and behavioral correlation are unknown. This research provides conclusive evidence that the communication of the Red Piranha is intentional and situational suggesting a more complex social structure than is generally attributed to the species. The findings deepen our understanding of underwater acoustics and the evolving ways in which fish use sound in their natural environment.

In conclusion

An important study on the Red Fish explains a lot about the way and concept of the ichthyologist

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