Octopus kicks away freeloading fish. In new footage, octopuses were seen punching ‘opportunistic’ fish, individuals that attached themselves to the hunting group but did not help them find food. (Eduardo Sampaio)
Octopuses recruit fish from the right “school” of thought to help them get food
Octopuses and fish have been caught on camera teaming up to hunt for prey. In a new study from x, researchers caught 13 instances of the cross-species collaboration over 120 hours of footage, showing a big blue octopus (Octopus cyanea) working with different fish species to capture meals.
Each of these scenes hinted at complex group dynamics, with different species adopting different roles. “The other fish provide several options, and then the octopus decides which one to take,” says animal-behaviour researcher and co-author Eduardo Sampaio who published his findings in Nature Ecology & Evolution. This comes on the heels of first-ever marine research that shows how coral reefs are eating laxatives and our blood pressure medication.
An octopus–fish hunting pack searches for prey. Credit: Eduardo Sampaio and Simon Gingins
“There’s this element of shared leadership.”
In new footage, shown above, octopuses were seen punching ‘opportunistic’ fish, individuals that attached themselves to the hunting group but did not help them find food. There is evidence for getting rid of freeloading friends in nature. Don’t feel guilty if you too have to kick your friend off your couch.
