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Investigation conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh (UK) near the shores of the Great Barrier Reef off Australia has revealed that a few species of coral reef fishes eavesdrop on noises near prospective locations for their new homes before they actually move.

These eavesdropping reef fishes are namely damselfish, cardinal fish, emperors and blennies, and they move to locations that suit their needs by listening to the sounds emitted by the shoals.

For example, fingerlings that have just hatched choose places where they can hear high-frequency sounds emitted by invertebrates such as shrimp. They hide in holes and take aim at passing prey. When they mature, they become interested in social groups and get attracted to low-frequency sounds given off in places where there are many fishes. As they find schools of fishes of their own kind, they hunt for food and extend their territory.

As you can see nature’s sounds play an important role in the social group formation of fishes and is greatly involved in their subsistence. However, the effects man-made sea noises such as of ships, drilling, mining, and sonar may have on the social structure of fishes is yet unknown.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7280867.stm