362 FISHES CHAP. 
but there is evidence that sounds are emitted by Polypterus 
among the Crossopterygi, and by the Dipnoids Neoceratodus,'- 
Protopterus, and Lepidosiren, although it is not certainly known 
how they are produced, or that they may not be the accidental 
concomitants of the inspiratory or expiratory action of the lungs 
in breathing. 
As to the nature of the sounds produced by the air-bladder 
and its muscles in different Teleosts, a few examples may be 
given. 
The sound produced by the elastic-spring-apparatus of a 
recently caught Doras maculatus, has been described as a “ deep 
growling tone,’ which may be distinctly heard at a distance of 
100 feet when the Fish is out of the water. Under like condi- 
tions the air-bladder and its muscles, in a species of Platystoma, 
emit a similar sound. On the other hand, the sound produced 
by the elastic springs of the Electric Siluroid (Malopterurus 
electricus) has been compared to the hissing of a cat. The Sea- 
Horse (Hippocampus brevirostris) utters a monotonous sound 
analogous to that of a tambour, which is characteristic of both 
sexes, but is more intense and frequent in the breeding season. 
The “ Coffer Fish” (Ostracion trigonus) emits a growling sound, 
as also does the “Globe Fish” (Zetrodon honckenii) when taken 
out of the water.” The air-bladder and its muscles in the 
“Drum” (Pogonias chromis), constitute the most powerful 
sound-producing organ yet found in any Fish. The sounds 
emitted by the “Drum” are better expressed by the word 
drumming than by any other, and have frequently been heard by 
persons in vessels lying at anchor on the coasts of the United 
States, where these Fishes abound.” The “ Drum” begins its 
drumming noise in the spawning season in April, but is rarely 
heard afterwards. The “ Maigre” (Sciaena aquila), whose musical 
performances aue perhaps responsible for the Homeric fable of the 
song of the Sirens, is remarkable among Fishes for the variety 
of its sounds, which have been compared to bellowing, purring, 
buzzing, and whistling.* The sound is often so intense that it 
may be heard when the Fish is at a depth of 18 metres, and the 
1 Giinther, Phil. Trans. 161, 1871, p. 542. 
2 Pappe, Synopsis of the Edible Fishes at the Cape of Good Hope, Capetown, 
1853, p. 8. 
3 Ginther, Study of Fishes, Edinburgh, 1880, p. 427. 
4 Day, Fishes of Great Britain and Ireland, London, i. 1880-1884, p. 151. 
