Batticaloa Kallady Bridge singing fish: hydrophone recordings and moon phase conditions?
What estuarine marine species and swim-bladder stridulations produce the underwater acoustic chords recorded under Lady Manning Bridge?
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3 Answers from travellers
The acoustic phenomenon of "singing fish" in Batticaloa Lagoon—traditionally heard beneath Kallady Bridge (Lady Manning Bridge)—is documented by bioacoustic hydrophones. Sounds peak during full-moon nights between April and September when water is clear, warm, and saline. Underwater recordings show sustained harmonic tones (between 80 Hz and 1,200 Hz), resembling a plucked cello chord. The sound is produced primarily by marine catfishes (Arius species) and croakers (Sciaenidae) vibrating sonic muscles against their swim bladders, paired with snapping shrimp claw clicks resonating off iron bridge pilings.
Visitors can rent traditional wooden paddle boats at the bridge pier; dipping one end of an oar into the water and pressing your ear to the handle allows you to hear the acoustic hum.
Modern outboard motor boat traffic in the lagoon creates acoustic masking; listening sessions are best conducted between 10:00 PM and midnight on still waters.
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