Hearing Ability of Bambooleaf wrasse Pseudolabrus japonicus caught in the coast of Jeju

Abstract

In order to improve the availability of underwater sound by the fundamental data on the hearing ability, the auditory thresholds for the bambooleaf wrasse pseudolabrus japonicus were determined at 80Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz, 500Hz and 800Hz by heartbeat conditioning method using pure tones coupled with a delayed electric shock. The audible range of the bambooleaf wrasse extended from 80Hz to 800Hz with the best sensitivity around 100Hz and 200Hz. In addition, the auditory thresholds over 300Hz increased rapidly. The mean auditory thresholds of the bambooleaf wrasse at the test frequencies, 80Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz, 500Hz and 800Hz were 100dB, 95.1dB, 94.8dB, 109dB, 121dB and 125dB, respectively. Auditory critical ratios for the bambooleaf wrasse were measured using masking stimuli with the spectrum level range of about 70, 74, 78dB (0dB re 1  ). According to white noise level, the auditory thresholds increased as compared with thresholds in a quiet background noise. The Auditory masking by the white noise spectrum level was stared over about 60dB within 80~300Hz. Critical ratios to be measured at frequencies from 80Hz to 300Hz were minimum 33dB and maximum 39dB.