Fish Don't Dither: How Fish Use Evasion Tactics to Avoid Danger
A new study has found that fish don’t dither when it comes to their danger-evasion tactics. Instead, they take a direct route to safety, no matter the size or speed of the predator chasing them. This research, conducted by scientists at the University of Leicester, sheds important light on the behavior of fish in the face of danger and could lead to new marine conservation efforts.
The researchers studied the behavior of two species of fish—one large and slow-moving (cod) and one small and fast-moving (minnows)—when confronted with a simulated predator. They found that both species took a direct route to safety, with the cod swimming faster than normal and the minnows taking a more zig-zag route. Interestingly, the minnows didn’t slow down when the predator was close, instead continuing on their direct route.
The study’s findings could lead to new methods of conserving fish populations, as understanding their behavior in the face of danger can help researchers develop strategies to protect them.
source: Phys.org