Croaking Tetra

Croaking Tetra or Chirping Tetra is a common name given to certain species of tetra within the genus "Mimagoniates " such as "M. inequalis". [ [http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=12389] "Mimagoniates inequalis".] , "M. lateralis" [ [http://www.aquapage.eu/Fishes.php?hledani=EN&detail=238] "Mimagoniates lateralis"] , and "M. microlepis". [ [http://www.webcityof.com/miff1061.htm#Mimagoniatesmicrolepis] "Mimagoniates microlepis"] They are have a supplementary breathing organ located above the gills which makes a faint chirping sound when these fish come to the surface to gulp air. [ [http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_762510280/Tetra.html] Encarta] It also plays a role in courtship as the male chases and hovers near the female while taking gulps of air and expelling it to make a rhythmic noise.cite book | title = Exotic Tropical Fishes | last = Axelrod | first = Herbert, R. | authorlink = Herbert R. Axelrod | publisher = T.F.H. Publications | year = 1996 | ISBN = 0-87666-543-1] Croaking behavior may have evolved from a behavior called "nipping surface", a feeding behavior that occurs when the fish is searching for food. This gulping of air has no useful respiratory function.cite journal|title=The Evolution of a Pattern of Sound Production Associated with Courtship in the Characid Fish, "Glandulocauda inequalis"|last=Nelson|first=Keith|journal=Evolution|year=1964|pages=526–540|doi=10.2307/2406207|volume=18 Note: This paper precedes the reclassification of "G. inequalis" under "Mimagoniates"]

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