Meet The Fish Who Can Sing Underwater

At this time of year, cheery music permeates the air — encouraging everyone (even those of us who can’t quite carry a tune) to join in the festive fun with a chorus or two. But did you know there’s an entire symphony of sound happening beneath the surface, too?

That’s right: Fish in some of the world’s most beautiful marine locales can sing — or at least something that sounds a lot like it. Just read on to learn more about these musical creatures, and how they can impact your fishing fun.

Rise & Shine

Lots of animals mark the arrival of morning with music — from chirpy birdsong outside your window, to the slightly less melodious sound of your hungry pup barking for breakfast. And as it turns out, some fish welcome the day with their own unique sound!

A 2016 study in Bioacoustics observed fish off the coast of Western Australia, and found that they produced tunes ranging from “foghorn” sounds to buzzing beneath the surface.

Not all fish are early birds, however. A 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article described a nightly “sing-off” that would happen between Panama’s Bocon toadfish — an exchange that was likened to an underwater rap battle! The magazine further noted that different toadfish had different styles, just like musicians above the surface.

Healthy Harmony

According to The Guardian, researchers can gauge the health of a recovering coral reef ecosystem by listening to the sound it puts out — not just observing its appearance.

That makes sense, of course — just like you probably wouldn’t sing in the shower if your house was falling apart, a fish that feels like singing is probably pretty comfortable in its surroundings.

Where’s The Concert?

Fish might sing for a variety of reasons — from mating to alerting their fellow swimmers of food (or danger) in the vicinity. However, what if there’s another reason... like they’re just so inspired by their beautiful ocean environs that they have to hum about it?

OK, that might not be the most scientific theory — but if you take a trip to the neighborhoods these musical fish call “home,” you’ll understand!

Panama’s Bocas del Toro (Mouths of the Bull), for example, was first visited by Christopher Columbus back in 1502. The collection of nine gorgeous islands (and even more islets) plays host to snorkeling and splashing around its pristine reef environment, where you might spot some of the “musicians” we mentioned earlier.

You can also pull up your Blackfin up to local docks for effortless access to dinner or a place to rest between fishing excursions!

Speaking of, fishing fun abounds in this area. Panama is located in the southwestern corner of the Caribbean Sea, a hidden-gem nook Sportfishing Magazine dubbed the nation’s “Forgotten Coast.” But you won’t soon forget the thrilling bites and fish fights that await you and your Blackfin Boat! Look out for species such as tarpon, yellowfin tuna, and mahi mahi. Aforementioned singers like the toadfish, on the other hand, tend to dwell among the coral reef — which is best appreciated from afar, but not touched or fished.

You might not be able to catch a fish performance live, per se — but you can certainly hum a tune as you find one of them on the other end of your line! We hope today’s musical guide helps you see (and hear) your surroundings in an all-new way.