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Publication
Representation of complex vocalizations in the Lusitanian toadfish auditory system: Evidence of fine temporal, frequency and amplitude discrimination
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Many fishes rely on their auditory skills to interpret crucial information about predators and prey, and to
communicate intraspecifically. Few studies, however, have examined how complex natural sounds are perceived
in fishes. We investigated the representation of conspecific mating and agonistic calls in the
auditory system of the Lusitanian toadfish Halobatrachus didactylus, and analysed auditory responses to
heterospecific signals from ecologically relevant species: a sympatric vocal fish (meagre Argyrosomus
regius) and a potential predator (dolphin Tursiops truncatus). Using auditory evoked potential (AEP)
recordings, we showed that both sexes can resolve fine features of conspecific calls. The toadfish auditory
system was most sensitive to frequencies well represented in the conspecific vocalizations (namely the
mating boatwhistle), and revealed a fine representation of duration and pulsed structure of agonistic
and mating calls. Stimuli and corresponding AEP amplitudes were highly correlated, indicating an accurate
encoding of amplitude modulation. Moreover, Lusitanian toadfish were able to detect T. truncatus
foraging sounds and A. regius calls, although at higher amplitudes. We provide strong evidence that the
auditory system of a vocal fish, lacking accessory hearing structures, is capable of resolving fine features
of complex vocalizations that are probably important for intraspecific communication and other relevant
stimuli from the auditory scene.
Description
Keywords
Hearing Temporal encoding Amplitude modulation detection Auditory evoked potential Conspecific sounds Batrachoididae
Citation
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 278, 826-834