Noise keeping people awake could be fish mating

The mysterious noise that has been bothering Florida residents at night is likely being emitted by black drum fish during spawning season.

Scientists may have found the source of a mysterious noise that keeps people awake at night in Tampa, Florida, the Smithsonian reported on February 1. The noise, likely made by black drum ( Pogonias cromis ) during spawning season, is so loud it sometimes causes houses to vibrate slightly. They can produce a low-frequency drumming sound by flexing their muscles and hitting their swim bladders.

Black anchovies often mate on winter nights, which may be why people hear more noise around this time of year.

Black anchovies are popular with anglers and can grow up to 1.7 m in length. They have large grey or black scales and barbels on their lower jaws. Black anchovies devour fish, shellfish, crabs, shrimp, clams and many other invertebrates with their powerful teeth. They are found in lagoons, estuaries and bays, and even in the open sea.

Tampa’s mysterious sounds have been around since at least 2021. Since then, residents have come up with a variety of theories about the source of the noise, including an air force base, a party boat, or construction. Over time, residents grew increasingly frustrated and decided to fund a study to investigate the noise. Scientist James Locascio, program manager of fish ecology and acoustics at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, led the study.

Locascio agreed to place the microphones underwater for two months to find out. The group reached its fundraising goal earlier this week, and Locascio is now scouting potential locations to install the recorders.

It is unusual for underwater sound to travel through the air. But the noise of black drum can reach homes through tunnels or underground. It is also possible that the black drum population in Tampa Bay has increased dramatically in recent times for some reason.

“It’s a low-frequency sound, so it travels better and farther, and it’s more efficient at passing through different environments,” Locascio said. If fish are really the cause of sleepless nights, residents will have little choice but to put on earplugs and wait out the mating season.

Thu Thao (According to Smithsonian )

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