Diversity in Hearing in Fishes: Ecoacoustical, Communicative, and Developmental Constraints

Abstract

Fishes evolved a large diversity of hearing sensitivities. This diversity is linked mainly to differences in the way the inner ear is connected to gas-filled cavities such as the swim bladder. A close connection via accessory hearing structures such as Weberian ossicles results in higher auditory sensitivity or an expansion of the detectable frequency range or in both.