AB 12:97-108 (2011)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00325

ABSTRACT: Passive acoustic and digital video recordings were used to investigate sonic activity and behavior of red grouper Epinephelus morio on the West Florida Shelf. Red grouper were found to produce a unique series of low-frequency (180 Hz peak) pulses consisting of 1 to 4 brief (0.15 s) broadband pulses and a 0.5 to 2 s growl (short call); occasionally these were followed by a rapid series of 10 to 50 broadband pulses (pulse train). Sound production was ob served throughout the day and night, but most sounds occurred between sunrise and sunset, with a noticeable increase during late afternoon. Behaviors asso ciated with sound production included solitary male activity and court - ship interactions, indicating that sound production is likely related to spawning activity. Thus, passive acoustics could be an effective tool in monitoring red grouper reproduction and defining critical habitat of a keystone species.

KEY WORDS: Epinephelidae · Acoustics · Video · Fish behavior · In situ observations · Diel periodicity · Gulf of Mexico

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Cite this article as: Nelson MD, Koenig CC, Coleman FC, Mann DA (2011) Sound production of red grouper Epinephelus morio on the West Florida Shelf. Aquat Biol 12:97-108. https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00325 Export citation Share:    Facebook - - linkedIn