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Scientists now understand how clownfish make the clacking sounds they use to interest mates, scare away predators or produce warning sounds before they attack.
A team of researchers used a combination of sound recordings with high-speed video and X-rays to observe how the fish make the sound. What they found was the clownfish stretches its mouth open causing the ligament in the jaw to expand and then quickly close the jaw.
Most other fish make noise by letting air out of their swim bladders. But, this is the first time an animal has been shown to communicate by snapping its jaw.