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How do drums and croakers produce resonating sounds?
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perciform
Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus orientalis) in the waters near Japan.
Drums and croakers (family Sciaenidae) produce resonating sounds primarily through the interaction of specialized muscles and their swim bladder.12
These fishes possess strong muscles attached to the sides of the air bladder. By vibrating these abdominal muscles, the fish creates sonic pulses that are amplified by the swim bladder, which functions as a resonating chamber. This acoustic activity is particularly notable during spawning seasons and often occurs during the evening hours. While most members of the family utilize this mechanism, it is worth noting that some species, such as the kingfish (whiting), lack an air bladder entirely.123