Sound frequencies detectable by grass (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and black (Mylopharyngodon pisceus) carp determined with auditory evoked potentials

Abstract

Grass (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and black (Mylopharyngodon piceus) carp were imported to the United States as biocontrol agents in aquaculture facilities; however, due to intentional stocking or accidental release, invasive populations have become established. Invasive bigheaded carps display negative phonotaxis to sound, suggesting acoustic deterrents as a potential management tool. Grass and black carp frequency detection in response to 0.2–6 kHz sound was evaluated using auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) and determined for sound pressure level (SPL) and particle acceleration level (PAL). AEPs were detectable in response to pure tone stimuli from 0.2 to 4 kHz. The lowest SPL thresholds for grass carp were at 0.3 kHz (87.0 ± 3.6 dB re 1 μPa SPLrms; mean ± standard deviation), and the lowest PAL thresholds were at 0.4 kHz (–65.8 ± 3.2 dB re 1 ms−2 PALrms). For black carp, the lowest SPL and PAL thresholds were at 0.3 kHz (93.4 ± 3.0 dB re 1 μPa SPLrms, –60.8 ± 1.5 dB re 1 ms−2 PALrms). These results indicate that the ranges of detectable frequencies for grass and black carp overlap with those reported for bigheaded carps. However, behavioral studies are needed to determine potential efficacy of acoustic deterrents for these fish.