ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Acoustic communication in aquatic animals

Acoustic communication is a way that aquatic animals talk to each other underwater by making sounds. Just like how we use our voices to speak to each other, animals like whales, dolphins, fish and even some small creatures like shrimp, crabs and squid use different types of sounds to communicate with their friends and families.

Underwater, sound travels much faster and farther than it does through the air. This makes it a very useful way for these animals to communicate, as they can use it to share information across large distances.

For example, whales use special songs to talk to each other and to find mates. These songs can last for hours and can be heard by other whales that are tens of miles away. They can also use clicks and whistles to locate food and to navigate through the ocean.

Dolphins also use clicks and whistles to communicate with each other, but they also have signature whistles that act like names. Each dolphin has its own unique whistle that it uses to call to others and to tell them who they are.

Fish also use sounds to communicate, but their sounds are usually too high-pitched for us to hear. Some fish use grunts and croaks to establish territorial boundaries and to attract mates, while others use low-frequency sounds to signal distress or to warn others of danger.

Even small creatures like shrimp and crabs use sounds to communicate. Crabs use a special noise to attract their mates, while shrimp use snapping sounds to scare off predators.

In conclusion, acoustic communication in aquatic animals is a way for different creatures to talk to each other underwater using sounds like songs, clicks, whistles, grunts and snapping sounds. It helps them to navigate, locate food, find mates, establish territorial boundaries, and warn each other of danger.