Interspecific variation of acoustic signals in Mediterranean gobies (Perciformes, Gobiidae): comparative analysis and evolutionary outlook

Abstract

Sound production of 11 Mediterranean goby species, belonging to five different genera, have been comparatively analysed on the basis of the quantitative properties of the acoustic signal emitted by the male in both the reproductive and aggressive context. The results obtained showed that three groups of species can be recognized on the basis of signal similarity: the larger sized species (genus Padogobius and Gobius paganellus) producing tonal sounds, showing high values of pulse rate and low values of duration; the larger-sized species producing grunt sounds (genus Gobius and Zosterisessor) with low pulse rate and low duration; and the small-sized species producing grunt sounds (genus Pomatoschistus and Knipowitschia) with low pulse rate and high duration. The comparison between these results and those found in previous studies suggests congruence between the acoustic affinities among species and that obtained by means of morphological and genetic data. Furthermore, first hypotheses on the evolution of acoustic communication and the associated mechanisms in this fish group are suggested.

Novel vocal repertoire and paired swimbladders of the three-spined toadfish,Batrachomoeus trispinosus: insights into the diversity of the Batrachoididae

“…The diversity of intraspecific vocalizations in toadfishes parallels the diversification of acoustic signals in other fish families (e.g. Amorim et al, 2004;Gerald, 1971;Lobel, 2001;Malavasi et al, 2008;Rice and Lobel, 2003). While acoustic call diversity and evolution are frequently discussed in tetrapods (e.g.…”

“…While acoustic call diversity and evolution are frequently discussed in tetrapods (e.g. Price and Lanyon, 2002;Ryan, 1986), similar evolutionary questions have not been extensively tested in fishes (but see Malavasi et al, 2008). Due to the relative simplicity of many central and peripheral vocal mechanisms (compared with tetrapods), fish typically lack the ability to produce complex and dynamic, frequency-modulated calls (Bass, 1997;Bass and McKibben, 2003;Demski et al, 1973;Rice and Lobel, 2003).…”

“…Due to the relative simplicity of many central and peripheral vocal mechanisms (compared with tetrapods), fish typically lack the ability to produce complex and dynamic, frequency-modulated calls (Bass, 1997;Bass and McKibben, 2003;Demski et al, 1973;Rice and Lobel, 2003). Consequently, it is often variation in either temporal patterning or frequency that is primarily responsible for vocal differences among fish populations and species (Kihslinger and Klimley, 2002;Malavasi et al, 2008;Mann and Lobel, 1998;Parmentier et al, 2005). Again, underwater playbacks in midshipman fish show that individual fish can discriminate sounds based on fine temporal structure, i.e.…”

“…By generating a molecular phylogeny of the toadfishes, we demonstrate that B. trispinosus has evolved both a novel vocal signal (acoustic beat) and a novel swimbladder (bilaterally divided). The diversity in vocal behaviors and supporting biomechanical mechanisms in this family broadens our understanding of the evolution of acoustic communication in toadfishes, and among closely related groups of fishes in general (Malavasi et al, 2008).…”

Preferential accumulation of sex and Bs chromosomes in biarmed karyotypes by meiotic drive and rates of chromosomal changes in fishes

“…In Group III, owing to their biological patterns, several species are also important models for ecological (Ceccarelli et al 2001), evolutionary (Cooper et al 2009) and ethological studies (Malavasi et al 2008). All the Pomacentridae, Percidae and Gobiidae families are subject to strong ecological and geographic fragmentations (Drew and Barber 2009, Hollingsworth and Near 2008, Rüber et al 2003.…”