Herring communicate in the dark by emitting high-frequency bursts of gas from their anal ducts, a phenomenon scientists literally named Fast Repetitive Tick.

A closer look

Herring communicate in the dark by emitting high-frequency bursts of gas from their anal ducts, a phenomenon scientists literally named Fast Repetitive Tick. Because these fish travel in massive shoals and need to stick together without visually alerting predators, they rely on this specialized flatulence to safely maintain their complex social formations. Researchers discovered this acoustic marvel by accident, finally solving the mystery of the strange clicking noises recorded in the Baltic Sea. You truly have to marvel at an ecosystem where synchronized aquatic farting is not only a primary mode of communication but a highly evolved survival tactic that keeps the entire community from being devoured by hungry predators