# Actively soniferous tropical reef fishes are diverse, vulnerable, and valuable

## TL;DR

This study explores the diversity and ecological importance of sound-producing tropical reef fish, highlighting their vulnerability and value for conservation.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive synthesis of actively soniferous tropical reef fish species and their ecological traits.

## Key findings

- 258 sound-producing species across 46 families have been identified.
- Up to 75% of tropical reef fish species are likely to produce active sounds.
- Many sound-producing species are vulnerable and commercially valuable.

## Abstract

Active (i.e., intentional) fish sound production provides informative cues for numerous ecological functions, including larval recruitment or reproduction, and can facilitate monitoring and restoration. It is therefore important to have a holistic picture of actively soniferous tropical reef fish diversity, particularly in the face of growing threats such as noise pollution and habitat degradation. This study integrates fish biodiversity and sonifery datasets to assess the prevalence and ecological characteristics of actively soniferous tropical reef fishes. There are 258 known sound‐producing species, which span 46 families, encompass a variety of life‐history (e.g., lifespan) and distribution (e.g., depth) attributes, and include many vulnerable and commercially valuable species. Furthermore, up to 75% of tropical reef fish species are considered likely to produce active sounds. This synthesis should encourage a greater appreciation for active fish sound production in tropical reef environments and advance efforts to incorporate soundscape ecology into management and restoration strategies.