CNN —A small species of fish that measures no more than half an inch in length is capable of producing sounds louder than an elephant, according to a new study.
Danionella cerebrum, tiny translucent fish that live in shallow waters off Myanmar, can make noises of more than 140 decibels, an international team of scientists report in a press release published Tuesday.
Large animals tend to be capable of producing louder noises than small ones, with elephants able to make sounds up to 125 decibels with their trunks.
There are also some fish species that make unusually loud noises, such as the male plainfin midshipman fish, which is capable of making mating calls up to 130 decibels, but Danionella cerebrum appears to be unique among fish.
“No other fish has been reported to use repeated unilateral muscle contractions for sound production,” reads the study.
Persons:
Danionella, ”, Ralf Britz, Danionella cerebrum
Organizations:
CNN, National Academy of Sciences
Locations:
Myanmar, Dresden, Germany