Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Acoustic characteristics and variations in grunt vocalizations in the oyster toadfish Opsanus tau

  • Published:
Environmental Biology of Fishes Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Acoustic communication is critical for reproductive success in the oyster toadfish Opsanus tau. While previous studies have examined the acoustic characteristics, behavioral context, geographical variation, and seasonality of advertisement boatwhistle sound production, there is limited information on the grunt or other non-advertisement vocalizations in this species. This study continuously monitored sound production in toadfish maintained in an outdoor habitat for four months to identify and characterize grunt vocalizations, compare them with boatwhistles, and test for relationships between the incidence of grunt vocalizations, sound characteristics and environmental parameters. Oyster toadfish produced grunts in response to handling, and spontaneous single (70% of all grunts), doublet (10%), and trains of grunts (20%) throughout the May to September study period. Grunt types varied in pulse structure, duration, and frequency components, and were shorter and of lower fundamental frequency than the pulse repetition rate of boatwhistles. Higher water temperatures were correlated with a greater number of grunt emissions, higher fundamental frequencies, and shorter sound durations. The number of grunts per day was also positively correlated with daylength and maximum tidal amplitude differences (previously entrained) associated with full and new moons, thus providing the first demonstration of semilunar vocalization rhythms in the oyster toadfish. These data provide new information on the acoustic repertoire and the environmental factors correlated with sound production in the toadfish, and have important implications for seasonal acoustic communication in this model vocal fish.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Amorim MCP, Vasconcelos RO, Marques JF, Almada F (2006) Seasonal variation of sound production in the Lusitanian toadfish Halobatrachus didactylus. J Fish Biol 69:1892–1899 doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.2006.01247.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amorim MCP (2006) Diversity of sound production. In: Ladich F, Collin SP, Moller P, Kapoor BG (eds) Communication in Fishes. Science Publishers, Enfield, NH, pp 71–105

    Google Scholar 

  • Barimo JF, Fine ML (1998) Relationship of swim-bladder shape to the directionality pattern of underwater sound in the oyster toadfish. Can J Zool 76:134–143 doi:10.1139/cjz-76-1-134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barlow RB, Powers MK, Howard H, Kass L (1986) Migration of Limulus for mating: relation to lunar phase, tide height, and sunlight. Biol Bull 171:310–329 doi:10.2307/1541674

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bass AH, McKibben JR (2003) Neural mechanisms and behaviors for acoustic communication in teleost fish. Prog Neurobiol 69:1–26 doi:10.1016/S0301-0082(03)00004-2

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bass AH, Baker R (1991) Evolution of homologous vocal control traits. Brain Behav Evol 38:240–254 doi:10.1159/000114391

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brantley RK, Bass AH (1994) Alternative male spawning tactics and acoustic signals in the plainfin midshipman fish Porichthys notatus Girard (Teleostei, Batrachoididae). Ethology 96:213–232

    Google Scholar 

  • Breder CM Jr (1968) Seasonal and diurnal occurrences of fish sounds in a small Florida Bay. Bull Am Mus Nat Hist 138:325–378

    Google Scholar 

  • Connaughton MA, Taylor MH, Fine ML (2000) Effects of fish size and temperature on weakfish disturbance calls: implications for the mechanism of sound generation. J Exp Biol 203:1503–1512

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cummings SM, Morgan E (2001) Time-keeping system of the eel pout, Zoarces viviparus. Chrono Int 18:27–46 doi:10.1081/CBI-100001173

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • dos Santos M, Modesto T, Matos RJ, Grober MS, Oliveira RF, Canario A (2000) Sound production by the Lusitanian toadfish, Halobatrachus didactylus. Bioacoustics 10:309–321

    Google Scholar 

  • Edds-Walton PL, Mangiamele LA, Rome LC (2002) Variations of pulse repetition rate in boatwhistle sounds from oyster toadfish Opsanus tau around Waquoit Bay, Massachusetts. Bioacoustics 13:153–173

    Google Scholar 

  • Feher JJ, Waybright TD, Fine ML (1998) Comparison of sarcoplasmic reticulum capabilities in toadfish (Opsanus tau) sonic muscle and rat fast twitch muscle. J Muscle Res Cell Motil 19:661–674 doi:10.1023/A:1005333215172

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fine ML (1978a) Seasonal and geographical variation of the mating call of the oyster toadfish Opsanus tau L. Oceologia 36:45–57 doi:10.1007/BF00344570

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fine ML (1978b) Geographical variation in sound production evoked by brain stimulation in the oyster toadfish. Naturwissenschaften 65:493 doi:10.1007/BF00702846

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fine ML, Lenhardt ML (1983) Shallow-water propagation of the toadfish mating call. Comp Biochem Physiol 76A:225–231 doi:10.1016/0300-9629(83)90319-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fine ML, Malloy KL, King CB, Mitchell SL, Cameron TM (2001) Movement and sound generation by the toadfish swimbladder. J Comp Physiol [A] 187:371–379 doi:10.1007/s003590100209

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fine ML, Thorson RF (2008) Use of passive acoustics for assessing behavioral interactions in individual toadfish. Trans Am Fish Soc 137:627–637 doi:10.1577/T04-134.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fish MP (1954) Character and significance of sound production among fishes of the western North Atlantic. Bull Bing Ocean Coll 14:1–109

    Google Scholar 

  • Fish JF (1972) The effect of sound playback on the toadfish. In: Winn HE, Olla BL (eds) Behavior of Marine Animals. Plenum Press, New York, pp 386–434

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray GA, Winn HE (1961) Reproductive ecology and sound production of the toadfish Opsanus tau. Ecology 28:274–282 doi:10.2307/1932079

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gudger EW (1910) Habits and life history of the toadfish (Opsanus tau). Bull Bur Fish 28:1071–1109

    Google Scholar 

  • Hsiao SM, Meier AH (1992) Free running circasemilunar spawning rhythm of Fundulus grandis and its temperature compensation. Fish Physiol Biochem 10:259–265 doi:10.1007/BF00004519

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hsiao SM, Meier AH (1989) Comparison of semilunar cycles of spawning activity in Fundulus grandis and F. heteroclitus held under constant laboratory conditions. J Exp Zool 252:213–218 doi:10.1002/jez.1402520302

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ladich F (1997) Agonistic behavior and significance of sounds in vocalizing fish. Mar Freshwat Behav Physiol 29:87–108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ladich F, Myrberg AA (2006) Agonistic behavior and acoustic communication. In: Ladich F, Collin SP, Moller P, Kapoor BG (eds) Communication in Fishes. Science Publishers, Enfield, NH, pp 121–148

    Google Scholar 

  • Maruska KP, Korzan WJ, Mensinger AF (2009) Individual, temporal, and population-level variations in circulating 11-ketotestosterone and 17b-estradiol concentrations in the oyster toadfish Opsanus tau. Comp Biochem Physiol A doi:10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.01.002

  • McKibben JR, Bass AH (1998) Behavioral assessment of acoustic parameters relevant to signal recognition and preference in a vocal fish. J Acoust Soc Am 104:3520–3533 doi:10.1121/1.423938

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mensinger AF, Price NN, Richmond HE, Forsythe JW, Hanlon RT (2003) Mariculture of the oyster toadfish: juvenile growth and survival. N Am J Aquaculture 65:289–299 doi:10.1577/C02-056

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mensinger AF, Tubbs ME (2006) Effects of temperature and diet on the growth rate of year 0 oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau. Biol Bull 210:64–71 doi:10.2307/4134537

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Palmer JD (1974) Biological Clocks in Marine Organisms. Wiley Interscience, New York, p 173

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips RR, Swears SB (1981) Diel activity cycles of two Chesapeake Bay fishes, the striped blenny (Chasmodes bosquianus) and the oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau). Estuaries 4:357–362 doi:10.2307/1352160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pisingan RS, Takemura A (2007) Apparent semi-lunar spawning rhythmicity in a brackish cardinalfish. J Fish Biol 70:1512–1522

    Google Scholar 

  • Rahman MS, Takemura A, Takano K (2000) Correlation between plasma steroid hormones and vitellogenin profiles and lunar periodicity in the female golden rabbitfish, Siganus guttatus (Bloch). Comp Biochem Physiol 127B:113–122

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman MS, Takemura A, Takano K (2001) Lunar-synchronization of testicular development and steroidogenesis in rabbitfish. Comp Biochem Physiol 129B:367–373

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Remage-Healey L, Bass AH (2005) Rapid elevations in both steroid hormones and vocal signaling during playback challenge: a field experiment in Gulf toadfish. Horm Behav 47:297–305 doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2004.11.017

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Robertson DR (1991) The role of adult biology in the timing of spawning of tropical reef fishes. In: Sale PF (ed) The Ecology of Fishes on Coral Reefs. Academic Press, Inc, San Diego, CA, pp 356–386

    Google Scholar 

  • Robertson DR, Petersen CW, Brawn JD (1990) Lunar reproductive cycles of benthic-brooding reef fishes: reflections of larval biology or adult biology? Ecol Monogr 60:311–329 doi:10.2307/1943060

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rome LC, Lindstedt SL (1998) The quest for speed: muscles built for high-frequency contractions. News Physiol Sci 13:261–268

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rome LC (2006) Design and function of superfast muscles: new insights into the physiology of skeletal muscle. Annu Rev Physiol 68:193–221 doi:10.1146/annurev.physiol.68.040104.105418

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skoglund CR (1961) Functional analysis of swimbladder muscles engaged in sound production of the toadfish. J Biophys Biochem Cytol 10:187–200

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tavolga WN (1958) Underwater sounds produced by two species of toadfish Opsanus tau and Opsanus beta. Bull Mar Sci Gulf Caribb 8:278–284

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorson RF, Fine ML (2002) Acoustic competition in the gulf toadfish Opsanus beta: acoustic tagging. J Acoust Soc Am 111:2302–2307 doi:10.1121/1.1466865

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Q, Hong W, Chen S, Zhang Q (2008) Variation with semilunar periodicity of plasma steroid hormone production in the mudskipper Boleophthalmus pectinirostris. Gen Comp Endo 155:821–826 doi:10.1016/j.ygcen.2007.10.008

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Winn HE (1967) Vocal facilitation and biological significance of toadfish sounds. In: Tavolga WN (ed) Marine Bio-Acoustics. vol. 2. Pergamon Press, Oxford, pp 283–304

    Google Scholar 

  • Winn HE (1972) Acoustic discrimination by the toadfish with comments on signal systems. In: Winn HE, Olla B (eds) Behavior of Marine Animals. vol. 2. Plenum Press, New York, pp 361–385

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank Jack Lyons for help with data collection, Wayne Korzan for initial tank set-up, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute for use of tank space, and two reviewers for helpful comments on the manuscript. This study was made possible by a Grass Foundation Fellowship to KPM and additional funding provided by the Marine Biological Laboratory Neuroscience Institute (KPM) and National Science Foundation (Award #0316130 to AFM), which are greatly appreciated.

Author information

Author notes

  1. Karen P. Maruska

    Present address: Biology Department, Stanford University, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods , Hole, MA, 02543, USA

    Karen P. Maruska & Allen F. Mensinger

  2. Biology Department, University of Minnesota-Duluth, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA

    Karen P. Maruska & Allen F. Mensinger

Authors
  1. Karen P. Maruska
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Allen F. Mensinger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Karen P. Maruska.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Maruska, K.P., Mensinger, A.F. Acoustic characteristics and variations in grunt vocalizations in the oyster toadfish Opsanus tau . Environ Biol Fish 84, 325–337 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-009-9446-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-009-9446-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation