A theoretical model of shoaling behavior based on a consideration of patterns of overlap among the visual fields of individual members |
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Authors: | Rodney A Rountree George R Sedberry |
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Institution: | (1) Marine Ecology and Technology Applications, Inc, 178 Teaticket Hwy, Suite 101, East Falmouth, MA 02536, USA;(2) Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411, USA |
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Abstract: | We propose a hypothetical visual field overlap (VFO) model for shoaling behavior. While solitary individuals have the disadvantage
of a substantial blind zone to their rear, the overlapping visual fields among shoal members allows the shoal to collectively
view nearly 360°. A highly polarized shoal (i.e., a school) would be less advantageous than randomly oriented shoals because
a substantial area blind to all school members (common blind zone) would occur at some distance behind the school. However,
in situations where fishes must orient in one direction, the visual fields of individuals in the school overlap such that
the common blind zone is considerably farther behind than the blind zone of any particular fish. A simple geometric relationship
between school width, the blind angle, and the distance to the common blind zone predicts that larger schools can detect predators
at a greater distance than smaller schools. Additionally, the model provides a novel explanation for the nearly universally
observed tendency for fish to school together with like-sized individuals. Finally, the effect of school shape on the visual
field overlap pattern would have a strong impact on predator–prey interactions. However, our model does not directly take
into account the range of visibility or social interaction affects and applies only to small groups. The VFO model suggests
that schooling may have arisen as an adaptation to enhance feeding efficiency by reducing the need for individual vigilant
behavior while oriented into the current for feeding. We believe the VFO model promises to provide insight into the behavioral
ecology of shoaling fishes and that it is highly amenable to both field and laboratory testing. |
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