shoaling

Shoaling is the behavior of fish swimming together in a group, called a shoal, for benefits like protection from predators, increased foraging success, or better navigation. Unlike schooling, which involves synchronized swimming, shoaling emphasizes social grouping without necessarily moving in unison. Fish in a shoal communicate through visual cues, chemical signals, and vibrations, coordinating their movements. This behavior enhances their survival chances by reducing individual risk, helping locate food more efficiently, and providing a collective defense mechanism. Shoaling is a natural and common strategy seen across many fish species in various aquatic environments.