The loudest fish: It makes a noise louder than an airplane taking off

Animal sounds can be truly chilling. Whether to defend themselves or to assert dominance, some species do not hesitate to express themselves with intensity. However, when it comes to finding one of the loudest animals in the world, we must visit an unexpected place: the ocean.

In different parts of the Gulf of California it is possible to find Cynoscion othonopterus, the ‘Gulf Corvina’. By itself, a corvina makes a noise that reminds us of a cat’s purr, but their schools are capable of exceeding 150 decibels, louder than an airplane taking off.

Any group of animals making noise can become unbearable. Personally, I like pets, but hearing half a dozen dogs barking at four in the morning is not exactly pleasant (and at the same time, it’s usually a sign of trouble).

Now, which are the loudest? Where do we start looking? One of the first examples that comes to mind is the herd of elephants, which don’t hesitate to communicate their anger when something bothers or scares them. But today we’re going to explore another option, one that I bet never crossed your mind: a school of fish.

The Gulf Corvina: the loudest fish in the ocean

What you are seeing and hearing is Cynoscion othonopterus, the Gulf Corvina. Some specimens can reach 70 centimeters in length, and every spring they move to the Colorado River delta, synchronizing their spawning with the tides and the phases of the Moon. A study published by researchers from the University of Texas (Austin) and the University of California (San Diego) reveals that male Gulf Corvina are the loudest animals in the ocean.

The sound of a single male when trying to attract a female reminds us partly of a cat’s purr, but in 2014 underwater microphones were used to get a more precise reading. The result exceeded 150 decibels.

If we have to find an equivalent on the surface, the most appropriate is the takeoff of a commercial airplane. Scientists believe that such intensity could damage the hearing of other creatures, especially the sea lion and the dolphin.

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