In polite society, flatulence is often a social faux pas—especially when issued deliberately. But in the world of fish, group "raspberry-blowing" sessions appear to perform an important social role.
This intriguing idea comes from scientists who discovered that herring create a mysterious underwater noise by farting. The study's findings reveal that Atlantic and Pacific herring create sound bursts up to 22 kilohertz by releasing air from their anuses.
Clupeid fish, like herring, anchovies, and sprats, can detect sound frequencies up to around 40 kilohertz, way beyond the hearing range of most other fish.
This method of communication using pulses of air would be extremely useful. It would enable herring to maintain contact after dark, but without giving their position away to predatory fish.
Video: YouTube
Source: National Geographic
Tags: Fish | Herrings | Passing Gas | Fart | Bubbles
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