Tiny Fish Produces Sounds Louder Than a Pneumatic Drill

Scientists discover a 12mm-long fish, Danionella cerebrum, capable of emitting sounds reaching 140 decibels, challenging previous notions of animal communication.

A 12mm-long fish, Danionella cerebrum, native to Myanmar, can emit sounds reaching 140 decibels, louder than a pneumatic drill.
The sound is produced by a unique mechanism involving a drumming cartilage, specialized rib, and fatigue-resistant muscle.
Only male Danionella cerebrum produce these sounds, likely for communication or mating purposes in murky waters.
The discovery challenges conventional notions of animal communication and highlights the diversity of propulsion mechanisms across species.
Danionella cerebrum's transparency and small brain size make it a valuable model for neuroscience research.