Mantis shrimp: Ocean floor critters communicate in synchronized rumbles

But how do critters on the ocean floor use communication to fend off predators, attract mates and protect their homes? This was the question six scientists, including two students from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, Erica Staaterman and Austin Gallagher set out to answer. Their destination was the muddy water off the coast of Catalina Island, California. Their subject was the California mantis shrimp Hemisquilla californiensis, a benthic crustacean that measures 8 to 10 inches.

"Rarely are there studies of benthic acoustics (sounds from the oceans floor)," said Staaterman. "There has always been suspicion that burrow-dwelling creatures like the mantis shrimp make some sort of noise, and our research is going to help us better understand life and communication on the ocean floor."

After collecting data using various instruments that included a coupled audio-video system, a hydrophone array and an autonomous recording unit, the team was able to develop theories about communication on the ocean floor.

The study uncovered the fact that mantis shrimp made noise, each individual seeming to have its own 'voice.' The males made rhythmic 'rumbles' in groups of three that may help to attract females to their burrows or defend their territories against neighboring males.

"These sounds recorded in the field were different than what we recorded in tanks, so to hear these creatures communicating in the wild was very special. Our research team noted the 'rumbles' were so synchronized that it sounded like a chorus, similar to that of groups of birds or frogs," she added.