Hearing ability in sea bass reveals new details about fish sound perception

Greg Howard
7th January, 2026

Hearing ability in sea bass reveals new details about fish sound perception

European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Photo adapted from: Ancor Ortega / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • European sea bass, studied in captive populations at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, have more sensitive hearing than previously known
  • The fish demonstrated greatest hearing sensitivity around 300 Hz, with a U-shaped audiogram indicating reduced sensitivity at very low and high frequencies
  • Significant variation in hearing ability existed between individual sea bass, suggesting factors beyond species alone influence how well they detect sound
Understanding how fishes hear is crucial for both ecological research and assessing the impact of human-generated noise in aquatic environments. Many fish species are sensitive to sound, using it for communication, prey detection, and navigation. However, detailed hearing profiles are known for only a fraction of fish species, particularly those considered “generalists” – fish that aren’t highly specialized for hearing[2]. The European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is an important species in both fisheries and aquaculture, making a thorough understanding of its auditory capabilities a priority. Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover recently conducted a comprehensive study[1] to address this knowledge gap. The study focused on juvenile European sea bass, measuring their ability to detect sounds at different frequencies. The core method used was auditory evoked potentials (AEPs). AEPs involve placing electrodes near the fish’s brain and recording electrical activity in response to sound stimuli. By presenting tones of varying intensities and frequencies, scientists can determine the lowest sound level at which the fish detects the sound – its hearing threshold. This is analogous to a human hearing test, but adapted for an aquatic environment. The researchers tested 114 juvenile sea bass, a significantly larger sample size than previous studies. This was important because hearing can vary considerably between individuals, even within the same species. The results revealed that sea bass are more sensitive to sound than previously thought, with the best hearing occurring at a frequency of 300 Hz. Mean hearing thresholds at this frequency were approximately 116.8 dB re 1 µPa, representing a substantial improvement over earlier estimates. The study also documented a U-shaped audiogram, meaning hearing sensitivity was lower at both very low and very high frequencies. This finding is particularly interesting when considered alongside research on other fish species. For instance, studies on the common carp, a hearing specialist, have shown that their hearing is well-adapted to quiet environments[2]. Carp exhibit enhanced sensitivity in low-noise habitats like lakes and backwaters, but their hearing can be significantly masked by the noise of rivers and streams. The sea bass, however, appears to have a broader, more general auditory profile, capable of functioning effectively across a wider range of conditions. This could be an adaptation to the varied habitats sea bass occupy – from relatively quiet estuaries to more turbulent coastal waters. The variability in hearing thresholds observed within the sea bass population is also noteworthy. Some individuals exhibited significantly better hearing at lower frequencies than others. This suggests that factors beyond species alone – such as genetics, developmental history, or even individual experience – can influence auditory sensitivity. This is consistent with findings in the plainfin midshipman, where researchers observed asymmetries in auditory responses related to the saccule, a key hearing structure[3]. The midshipman study highlighted the importance of controlling electrode position during AEP recordings to account for such individual variations. The research provides a crucial baseline for future studies investigating the effects of underwater noise on sea bass. As human activities increase ocean noise pollution, understanding how fish perceive and respond to sound is essential for mitigating potential harm. For example, the data can be used to model the impact of shipping noise, construction, or sonar on sea bass populations. It also has implications for aquaculture, where optimizing acoustic environments can improve fish welfare. The study’s findings demonstrate that assessing the acoustic world of fish requires careful consideration of both species-specific hearing profiles and individual variability, as shown in work with zebrafish[4], where behavioural responses didn't correlate with sound pressure but did with particle velocity.

EcologyAnimal ScienceMarine Biology

References

Main Study

1) Hearing thresholds in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax): new insights into auditory sensitivity

Published 4th January, 2026

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-025-01628-2

Related Studies

2) Are hearing sensitivities of freshwater fish adapted to the ambient noise in their habitats?

Journal: The Journal of experimental biology, Issue: Vol 208, Issue Pt 18, Sep 2005

3) Auditory evoked potentials of the plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus): implications for directional hearing.

https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.198655

4) Particle motion and sound pressure in fish tanks: A behavioural exploration of acoustic sensitivity in the zebrafish.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2019.04.001


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