Scientists have discovered for the first time that some fish hide behind sharks to ambush their meal.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh conducted this study on sandbar sharks in the Mediterranean Sea, which was published in the journal Ecology.
Small predatory fish known as “blue runners” use sharks as cover when hunting. Divers using remotely operated vehicles were able to record this on underwater video.
The footage taken off the shore of Lampione Island in Italy showed 34 instances of blue runners using this hunting technique.
A single fish would shadow a shark for around 30 seconds before separating to attack the shark at fast speed, such as a damselfish or other smaller fish.
According to the study, fish that shadow sharks have a higher chance of surprising their target because they often hunt in small groups.
They found that if a blue runner hides behind a shark, the odds of recognizing it by its prey are 10%, and if they hunt together, the odds are 95%.
In addition of pursuing prey, blue runners may be able to save energy and defend themselves from predators by using this shadowing behavior.
According to Professor Fabio Badalamenti of CNR-IAS Palermo and the University of Edinburgh, “The study highlights how interactions between species can drive alternative hunting tactics in marine ecosystems.”
“Knowing these dynamics enhances our understanding of marine biodiversity and emphasizes the significance of protecting top predators, such as sharks.”
“This unique interaction highlights the ecological importance of the few remaining shark aggregations, which can influence the structure and function of ecosystems,” stated Dr. Carlo Cattano of the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn.
Only two sandbar shark aggregation sites in the Mediterranean Sea are known to exist, and one of them is Lione Island. Large shark populations are continuing to fall as a result of overfishing, endangering these kinds of connections, which may have repercussions for other species.
For the first time, scientists have seen fish hiding behind sharks to ambush their meal, making this study unique. According to earlier studies, certain fish hide from predators and eliminate parasites by shadowing sharks.
