2007-01-01 14:22:03 · 6 answers · asked by Max 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
YES
By human standards fish are deaf, at least, they 'hear' sounds in a different way to the human ear.
The most responsive sense for a fish is not sight, or smell, it is 'feel'. But again it is not 'feel' in the human sense. Down each side of a fishes body is a line of receptors that can detect amazingly low levels of sonic, and other pressure wave, disturbances in the water. These receptors can detect pressure waves caused by other fish swimming, sound waves, and other underwater disturbances.
In predator fish the ability to detect this underwater noise, and locate the source, is a prime factor in successful food detection. This 'noise' is 'heard' long before any smell, or sight, of food is picked up.
It may well be that predator fish find the bulk of their food by homing in on 'sounds' that indicate disturbances. These 'sounds' may be the frantic movements of bait fish being harried by other predator fish. Noise, as we know it, may be an ally, rather than an enemy.
To paraphrase Dr McCoy, on the Star Ship Enterprise, "It's noise Jim, but not as we know it."
2007-01-01 14:33:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, noise does affect fish. If you ever go fishing, the people there will tell you to be quiet. Noise will cause the fish to swim away.
2007-01-01 14:25:41 · answer #2 · answered by Mandie K. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Fish have sound receptors in their inner ear like we do, and sound (especially low-pitch) travels well in water. Additionally, they have another sense that we lack: they sense vibrations by means of the lateral line. Sounds are a special kind of vibrations, so they may perceive them both with their ears and with the lateral line.
In fact, many fishes produce sounds for communication, using their swim bladders, their fins, abdominal muscles, etc.
2007-01-01 15:14:01 · answer #3 · answered by Calimecita 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, since fish have no sound-wave receptors. They would probably just feel noise as vibrations against their body.
2007-01-01 14:26:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
any experienced fisherman can tell you yes they get spooked by noise especially the kind that involves footsteps on the ground
2007-01-01 14:31:51 · answer #5 · answered by Shark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah, theyre pretty sensitive to it.
so are waffles
2007-01-01 14:30:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋