Fish swimming in tight groups save energy, just like cyclists in a peloton during a race. A recent study published in the journal PLOS Biology found that fish in schools expend less energy than those swimming alone, especially in turbulent water.
The research, led by Rui Ni from Johns Hopkins University, measured how fish are affected by turbulence while swimming in groups. The study suggests that fish inside schools may be sheltered from small whirlpools and eddies, allowing them to maintain their pace with less effort.
This discovery could have implications for understanding how external factors like water turbulence impact fish populations. It could also inspire the development of new technologies that move in groups to reduce energy consumption, such as underwater vehicles or flying drones.
Many animals engage in collective movement for various benefits, including insects swarming to mate more effectively and birds flocking for navigation and defense. However, there has been debate among scientists about whether group behavior reduces or increases the energy expended by individuals.
The findings of this study provide insights into the energy-saving benefits of schooling behavior in fish, shedding light on the evolutionary advantages of moving in groups. This research opens up new possibilities for studying collective movement in animals and developing innovative technologies based on these natural behaviors.
