New Publication: the sounds of the Flying Gurnard

New Publication on Flying Gurnard Bioacoustics

A recent study has unveiled insights into the acoustic behavior of the flying gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans), a species known for its distinctive visual displays and now for its unique sounds. The research highlights two distinct types of short, repeated grunt-like sounds produced by these fish, which vary in duration, frequency, and rhythm. Notably, these sounds are often accompanied by the opening of their large pectoral fins, adorned with striking blue-spotted patterns. Interestingly, the study also discovered that juvenile flying gurnards, even those under 10 cm in length, are capable of producing sounds, indicating that this ability develops early in their life cycle.

Research Methodology

The study utilized videos from action cameras that opportunistically recorded individual flying gurnards producing sounds while exhibiting characteristic visual behaviors. These recordings were made as divers followed the fish in Pasjača, located in the Konavle region of Croatia (Adriatic Sea), as part of a monitoring program for non-native species in Croatian waters.

Publication and Collaboration

This significant study has been published in the Journal of Zoology, one of the oldest and most influential scientific journals in biology and zoology. It was conducted by researchers Manuel Vieira, Clara Amorim, and Paulo Fonseca from the FISHBIOACOUSTICS Lab within the MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre and the CE3C – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Zagreb, the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries of Croatia, and the University of Venice.

Significance of the Findings

Horvatic & Vieira et al. 2026 significantly advance the field of fish bioacoustics and behavior by documenting sounds produced by individual fish, captured by divers with underwater cameras. Recording sounds from wild fish is rare, as passive acoustic studies usually capture sounds from unseen fish, leaving the purpose of most recorded sounds ambiguous, though often speculated.

The study linked these sounds to the display of the fish's brightly colored and enlarged pectoral fins. Furthermore, the visual display involving ornate pectoral fins demonstrates a multimodal behavioral pattern that is rarely observed in natural fish behavior.

The research also investigated the anatomy responsible for sound production through dissections and advanced scanning technologies. The fish's sonic anatomy was extensively examined using dissections and modern imaging techniques. The large pectoral fins and swim bladder structure suggest a connection with searobins. However, molecular data reveal that this fish is more closely related to pipefish and seahorses, indicating that the intrinsic muscles represent an extraordinary case of convergent evolution, likely enabling prolonged calls similar to those of toadfish and searobins, among other species.

Reference:

Horvatić, S., Vieira, M., Amorim, M. C. P., Malavasi, S., Fonseca, P. J., Stagličić, N., M. Pavičić, D. Zanella, I. Erjavec, B. Dragičević & Dragičević, B. (2026) Acoustic repertoire and anatomical features of the flying gurnard from the Adriatic Sea. Journal of Zoology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.70101