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Hydromechanics of Fish Schooling

Nature volume 241, pages 290–291 (1973)Cite this article

Abstract

VARIOUS explanations for fish schooling have been put forward1, including the rate of predation2,3, social4 and genetic1 factors. Hydrodynamical effects appear to be important to obligate schooling species. They commonly show migratory movements4, and the schools usually consist of individuals of the same size range6,7 (with similar cruising speeds, as these depend on body-length) swimming in synchronization and in regular arrays8. The endurance of the fish is found to be increased twice to six times when in schools16. These factors may have practical significance, as many commercially important species are found in schools and knowledge of their possible speed and stamina can help design efficient fishing gear.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge

    D. WEIHS

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  1. D. WEIHS
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WEIHS, D. Hydromechanics of Fish Schooling. Nature 241, 290–291 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/241290a0

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