The depths of the ocean hide surprising alliances. Octopuses, typically solitary creatures, team up with fish to optimize their hunting efforts. How does this unlikely cooperation come about?
This underwater duo seems to take advantage of each other's expertise. But, what lies behind this seemingly harmonious partnership?
The team from the Max Planck Institute observed thirteen hunting groups off the coast of Israel. Each group, comprised of fish acting as scouts and an octopus, demonstrates meticulous collaboration. The fish help flush out prey, while the octopus directs the attacks.
The observations, published in
Nature Ecology and Evolution, show that this collective hunting approach is more effective than a solo effort. The octopus, as the leader, evaluates the options presented by the fish before taking action.
However, this relationship is not without tension. When the fish become too pushy or venture too close to the prey, they may be struck back with a forceful tentacle swipe. These sharp gestures remind us that the octopus maintains firm control.
According to Eduardo Sampaio, the lead author of the study, these aggressive interactions help keep order within the group. Some fish, often groupers, sometimes try to take advantage of the hunt without contributing.
An octopus directs fish to help it hunt and strikes them if they fail to meet its expectations
Analyzing these behaviors could shed light on the understanding of interspecies interactions in complex marine environments. Scientists continue to investigate the mysteries behind this unusual cooperation. Hannah MacGregor, from the University of Cambridge, believes that further studies are needed to explain the motivations behind these behaviors.
In practical terms, what role does each party play? Who benefits from this coordination?
The roles within this underwater alliance are clearly defined. The fish, acting as scouts, play a crucial role in locating prey hidden in crevices or under the sand. Thanks to their swift movements and frequent changes in direction, they allow the group to cover a large area, flushing out prey that the octopus alone may not have detected.
On the other hand, the octopus takes advantage of this information to organize the hunt. With its eight arms, it can quickly seize prey once located and reach areas inaccessible to the fish. It acts as a strategist, making the final decision on when to strike, while also using its physical strength to capture the prey.
The fish primarily benefit from the leftovers left behind by the octopus after its capture. However, this cooperation is not without risks: if a fish tries to claim a catch or gets too close, it may find itself violently repelled. Nonetheless, the easier access to food is worth a few tentacle slaps. Thus, the group benefits from this alliance, where each party maximizes its chances of survival through complementary skills.
Author of the article: Cédric DEPOND