Full Description

"RECORDED SOUNDS.-Fourteen sounds recorded for analysis during this period were loud clicks, similar to the snapping of finger against thumb. Their frequency distribution extends between octaves 0 to 50 cycles per second (cps) and 2400 to 4800 cps, with maximum energy in the 300 to 600 cps and 400 to 800 cps bands. The average of two typical sounds, with frequency spectrum extending from 250 to 1800 cps, is shown in Fig. 1. The maximum overall pressure recorded is 22.6 dynes per square centimeter, at a distance of six inches from the hydrophone."

"Spontaneous soundmaking was limited to the first two days and seemed to be associated with strangeness of environment. Although held elsewhere in captivity for two weeks previously, the specimen immediately reacted to the new location with a vigorous snapping, repeated at intervals of approximately one-half to threefourths of an hour during the first day. After the first burst of five, the snaps were made singly, doubly, or in a series of four spaced about one second apart. Preceding each sound or burst of sounds, the seahorse cruised the length of the tank one or more times in its characteristic upright position, propelled by the rapidly vibrating ear-like pectorals and the rudder-like dorsal fin, its prehensile tail curling tightly up from a horizontal position and down again persistently."

"It is inferred that, for this one fish at least, sound may be used in new surroundings for orientation, perhaps to find the whereabouts of others of its species."

Observation Environment Quotes

"A LARGE northern seahorse, Hippocampus hudsonius DeKay, 128 mm. from tip of snout to tip of tail, was kept under observation at the Narragansett Marine Laboratory between October 1, 1951, and February 15, 1952. The experimental tank was monitored by hydrophone and magnetic tape recorder."

Behaviour Description Quotes

"Spontaneous soundmaking was limited to the first two days and seemed to be associated with strangeness of environment. Although held elsewhere in captivity for two weeks previously, the specimen immediately reacted to the new location with a vigorous snapping, repeated at intervals of approximately one-half to threefourths of an hour during the first day. After the first burst of five, the snaps were made singly, doubly, or in a series of four spaced about one second apart. Preceding each sound or burst of sounds, the seahorse cruised the length of the tank one or more times in its characteristic upright position, propelled by the rapidly vibrating ear-like pectorals and the rudder-like dorsal fin, its prehensile tail curling tightly up from a horizontal position and down again persistently."

"It is inferred that, for this one fish at least, sound may be used in new surroundings for orientation, perhaps to find the whereabouts of others of its species."

Sound Name Quotes

"RECORDED SOUNDS.-Fourteen sounds recorded for analysis during this period were loud clicks, similar to the snapping of finger against thumb. Their frequency distribution extends between octaves 0 to 50 cycles per second (cps) and 2400 to 4800 cps, with maximum energy in the 300 to 600 cps and 400 to 800 cps bands. The average of two typical sounds, with frequency spectrum extending from 250 to 1800 cps, is shown in Fig. 1. The maximum overall pressure recorded is 22.6 dynes per square centimeter, at a distance of six inches from the hydrophone."

" Although held elsewhere in captivity for two weeks previously, the specimen immediately reacted to the new location with a vigorous snapping, repeated at intervals of approximately one-half to threefourths of an hour during the first day. After the first burst of five, the snaps were made singly, doubly, or in a series of four spaced about one second apart."