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Sound production mechanism in triggerfish (Balistidae): a synapomorphy
Raick, X.; Lecchini, D.; Kéver, L.; Colleye, O.; Bertucci, F.; Parmentier, E. (2018). Sound production mechanism in triggerfish (Balistidae): a synapomorphy. J. Exp. Biol. 221(1): jeb168948. https://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.168948
In: The Journal of Experimental Biology. Cambridge University Press: London. ISSN 0022-0949; e-ISSN 1477-9145, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Acoustic repertoire; Exaptation; Vocal communication; Swimbladder

Authors  Top 
  • Raick, X., more
  • Lecchini, D.
  • Kéver, L., more

Abstract
    The ability to produce sounds for acoustic communication is known in different Balistidae species but the eventual synapomorphic aspect of the mechanism remains to be shown. In Rhinecanthus aculeatus, sounds result from alternate sweeping movements of the right and left pectoral fins, which push a system of three scutes against the swim bladder wall. In this study, we made a comparison between the sounds produced by this species and two additional ones (Balistapus undulatus and Rhinecanthus rectangulus) using hand-held specimens to provide a description of the sound mechanism. The results highlighted that the sound production mechanism is similar in the three species. According to recent phylogenetic data and shared morphological features, this mechanism could be common to the majority of Balistidae family members and all species could be capable of sound production using pectoral fins.

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