The Strange Case of the Singing Fish

During the mid-1980s, the residents at the north end of San Francisco Bay began complaining about a strange droning noise coming from the Bay. During the months of July and August, the odd noise started after sunset and continued until sunrise. People living on houseboats found that the noise disrupted their sleep.

Puzzled and tired citizens began a search for the source of the noise. Sophisticated acoustical maps were made of the bottom of the Bay. The local sewage treatment plant was ruled out. A research lab operated by the Army Corps of Engineers was also ruled out. While every one and every thing was ruled out, the hum continued through the long nights.

Eventually, biologists joined the search. Soon, the toadfish – also known as the singing fish – was identified as the source of the sounds. The droning noise was actually male fish offering their mating call to attract females. All fish have gas or air bladders that act in the same way as a submarine’s ballast tanks. The gas bladder adjusts to pressure changes, thereby helping fish stay at the depth they desire. A few fish, including the toadfish, have a set of muscles that rapidly vibrate the air bladder. The bladder then acts as a resonating chamber, and the sound is transmitted into the water.

The Bible tells us that all things were created by the same God Who was made flesh for our salvation. Since communication is part of God’s nature, we should not be surprised to find communication so universal among the creatures He made.

John 1:3
“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

Prayer: I thank You, Lord God, that communication is part of Your nature and that You have communicated to us. Forgive me for neglecting the study of the Bible, and help me to be more eager to study it. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Notes: John E. McC. 1986. “In Sum, it was Some Hum.” Discover, June, pp. 67-71. Photo: Oyster Toadfish NOAA (PD)