Eavesdropping on grunting groupers reveals how the fish communicate

Scientists listened to these Caribbean fish for over 2,000 hours. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. The red hind grouper () is big on grunting. After analyzing over 2,000 hours of ocean acoustic recordings gathered over 12 years, marine biologists say that groupers convey specific messages to one another about courtship and territory with their grunts. And with the help of an advanced machine-learning tool, researchers now believe the observational approach detailed in a study published in the can help other scientists to better monitor fish populations, as well as improve ongoing conservation efforts for threatened species.