Acoustic behaviour of Abudefduf luridus

Abstract

Adult males Abudefduf luridus produced sounds during aggressive interactions, although not all aggressive interactions were associated with sounds. Such sounds were always related to characteristic swimming movements during an aggressive display or territorial defence. The sound was a combination of several sonic pulses, with most energy concentrated towards the low end of the spectrum (from <50 to 800 Hz), and was most frequently groups of two pulses. Analysis of the pulse structure suggested that these sounds are produced by muscles acting on the swimbladder. However, the mechanism of sound production has yet to be demonstrated. Sounds were emitted throughout the 24‐h period with increased activity at sunrise and sunset.