Sound absorption structure and chambers in otoliths of Chinese Bahaba (Bahaba taipingensis): A “Giant Panda” fish species

Abstract As a critically endangered (CR) fish species, Chinese Bahaba is a unique “Giant Panda” fish species in China and has been listed among the national first-class wildlife protection animals and China's top 10 genetic resources of aquatic products since 2021. This fish species is of high commercial value because of its swim bladder that is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its otoliths are the sensory organs immersed in the endolymph for maintaining its balance and hearing. However, rare information has been reported on the sound absorption structure and chambers of otoliths of such “Giant Panda” fish. The big “C” groove was found in the fish’s front sagittal otolith with the crystal cluster in the back sagittal otolith, the former of which is a 3D layered structure, that is constructed by elongated prismatic crystals. Besides, there are numerous small holes and adhesion material in this 3D layered structure, where many chambers were also found, indicating that some specific sounds may be captured by this structure and these chambers may then amplify such sounds at a certain wavelength. This finding could be of great importance for protecting and conserving this critically endangered species.