50 HzLowest frequency
4,000 HzHighest frequency
6.3Octaves
0.2×Upper limit vs. humans
How it compares
Greater wax mothsBottlenose dolphinsBeluga whalesBatsMiceRatsCatsOpossumsGerbilsGuinea pigsDogsHedgehogsFerretsSheepRabbitsPigsRaccoonsGoatsCowsHorsesChinchillasHumansElephantsOwlsBudgerigars (parakeets)CanariesCockatielsTree frogsCatfishBullfrogsGoldfishChickensTuna
10 Hz1001 kHz10 kHz100 kHz
Shaded band: typical human range (20 Hz–20 kHz). Log scale.
Tones catfish can hear
Tones catfish cannot hear
Frequently asked questions
What frequencies can catfish hear?
About 50 Hz to 4,000 Hz.
Can catfish hear ultrasound?
No – their upper limit is below 20 kHz.
Can catfish hear infrasound?
No – their lower limit is above 20 Hz.
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia – Hearing range (compiled from Fay 1988; Heffner & Heffner) · Approximate hearing ranges from behavioural audiograms (largely Fay 1988 and Heffner & Heffner), usually measured at 60 dB SPL. Individual animals, ages and studies differ.