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Environment & Energy

Judi Lynn

(160,527 posts)

1. Saw the gar-like companions with Mr. or Ms. Whale Shark, tried to find out about them.

Reply to Eugene (Original post)

Mon Apr 6, 2020, 04:41 PM

Apr 2020

First thing to pop up in my search was something I wasn't expecting.

Whale Shark & Entourage: All The Pretty Fishies
October 16, 2019

. . .

The sharks, and the small fish, are all chasing the same prey: small (~1 cm) sergestid shrimps. When the shrimp move inshore over summer, the sharks and the fish follow them in. Predatory fishes, such as cobia and mackerel, join the migration.

I guess it makes sense for the smaller fish to team up with the sharks for the protection. I doubt the sharks get much out of the deal – after all, these small fishes are direct competitors – but it does look really cool.

. . .

Video at link:
https://simonjpierce.com/whale-shark-fish-school-mafia-island/

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Highlight:

Whale sharks: Atomic tests solve age puzzle of world's largest fish [View all] Eugene Apr 2020 OP

Saw the gar-like companions with Mr. or Ms. Whale Shark, tried to find out about them. Judi Lynn Apr 2020 #1

Different swim-mates at the Georgia Aquarium: Judi Lynn Apr 2020 #2

Very Cool lostinhere Apr 2020 #3