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Herrings Use Farts To Communicate

Posted by timothy on from the whoopie dept.

unassimilatible writes "According to University of British Columbia scientists, herrings use farts to communicate. Biologists know that herrings can hear sounds of this frequency, while most fish cannot. This would allow them to communicate by Fast Repetitive Tick (FRT) without alerting predators to their presence. There is a .wav sound file available of the fish farting. Don't tell me the scientists didn't purposely choose an acronym that sounds like "fart.""

8 of 69 comments (clear)

  1. Chop down the largest tree in the forrest with.... by Nutcase · · Score: 4, Funny

    This adds a whole new level to the Monty Python Knights who say NI! sketch. I am not entirely sure what that level is, but I am sure that it's there somewhere.

  2. Maybe... by KDan · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...that's how women communicate? That would explain all the misunderstandings, and why they'd get offended if you let out a big one.

    Must be an insult or something...

    Daniel

    --
    Carpe Diem
  3. Idea for a new Star Trek alien race! by Picass0 · · Score: 4, Funny
    Now that this has been demonstrated in nature certainly there would be aliens who speak "Fartese".


    Archer: "Welcome on board the Enterprise. This is the turbolift, and it will take us to the bri...


    Alien Leader:FfffffffffRIPPPP!!!


    Archer: Um, the bridge, *cough* where we control...


    Alien #2: (slow squishy sound)


    Archer: Goddamn! I mean, Perhaps I should show you something closer. Here's th...


    Alien #3: (High pitched sqeaker)


    Archer: *gag* Fuck me! *choke* No wonder you guys don't get more visitors! I alr...


    Aliens (all): Faaaaaarttttttt.....


    Archer: Red Alert! Target alien ship!

  4. I dunno, guys... by zurkog · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...Something smells fishy about this.

    (ouch. Sorry, had to be said).

    Made me think about the Dr. Who and the Curse of the Fatal Death, though.

    1. Re:I dunno, guys... by bill_mcgonigle · · Score: 3, Funny

      ...Something smells fishy about this.

      Don't worry, these results are just a red herring.

      --
      My God, it's Full of Source!
      OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)
  5. Of course by Strange+Ranger · · Score: 3, Funny

    > "Schooling behavior in herring is exploited by several top predators with complex hunting behaviors. Squid encircle herring schools and dart in to prey on the corralled fish."

    > "...would allow them to communicate by Fast Repetitive Tick (FRT) without alerting predators to their presence."


    Silly scientists! Everybody knows... ticks are for squids.

    --

    Operator, give me the number for 911!
  6. Oh man, what a great opening line by NanoGator · · Score: 4, Funny

    "Biologists have linked a mysterious, underwater farting sound to bubbles coming out of a herring's anus."

    Man I thought I was reading the Onion for a moment.

    --
    "Derp de derp."
  7. Re:Chop down the largest tree in the forrest with. by Josh+Booth · · Score: 3, Funny

    "Then, you must cut down the mightiest tree in the forest wiiiiiiiiith, A FARTING HERRING!"