Category: Fish
One of the most abundant species in the world, the Atlantic herring can be found congregating in large schools on both sides of the Atlantic. It is not unusual for a single school of herring to include several million, or even over a billion individuals! They are an important, nutrient rich food source for many organisms, including whales, seals, cod, and humans. The Atlantic herring fishery is managed by several organizations that work together to develop rules and regulations pertaining to herring harvest.
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
