Noise that keeps people awake could be fish mating

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

Noise that keeps people awake could be fish mating

The sound of a black drum fish. Video : National Aquarium

Scientists may have found the source of a mysterious noise that keeps people awake at night in Tampa, Florida, the Smithsonian reported on Feb. 1. The noise, likely made by black drum ( Pogonias cromis ) during spawning season, is so loud that 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 drum typically mate on winter nights, which may be why people hear more noise around this time of year.

Black drum 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 drum devour fish, shellfish, crabs, shrimp, clams and many other invertebrates with their powerful teeth. They are commonly found in lagoons, estuaries and bays, and even in the open ocean.

Tampa’s mysterious noises 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 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 for fish acoustics and environmental ecology at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, led the study.

Locascio agreed to place 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 sounds to travel through the air. But the noise of black drum can reach homes through tunnels or the ground. 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 plug their ears and wait out the mating season.

Thu Thao (According to Smithsonian )

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