Why Do Fish School in Giant Balls?

At the bottom of the food chain, one of the best defense mechanisms is safety in numbers. When small fish sense danger, they sometimes arrange themselves into spheres, known as bait balls. These balls provide extra protection to the individual, and create a mesmerizing effect as they seem to move as one. On the other hand, bait balls do come with a down side, drawing in even more predators attracted to a potential feast.
#oceanx #fishing #ocean

[@theessexhunter1305]

Safety in numbers

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

probably for the same reason as starling murmurations, to better avoid and confuse predators.

[@JMTM]

so they willingly give up their lifes for the circle of life

[@runawaycounty4065]

JM TM you said that so wonderfully

[@kamilo4989]

Not sure how I feel about this or if I agree. "In a way the bait ball is for the fish to be eaten" sounds like an interpretation. But i guess the adaptative function of baitballs to wardoff prey is also an interpretation. It could be some change that served well in the past but not any longer; the same way you have some large sized predatory birds being driven into extinction because their original large prey is no longer available.

[@carlabellest5521]

I'm learning. 👍

[@kasperbiesterfeld9681]

Because 2 of them make more fish