Fish Behavior

Fish are often preyed on by a variety of animals. Predators include cnidarians, octopuses, squid, spiders, cetaceans, grizzly bears, jaguars, wolves, snakes, turtles and sea gulls. These animals may eat fish as their primary source of food, as well as smaller fish to supplement their diet. Fish are an important part of the aquatic ecosystem, … Read more

Sunfish are preyed upon by sea lions, killer whales, and large sharks. California sea lions have been known to bite the fins off of small ocean sunfish and play with them like frisbees. Sunfish also face threats from birds, particularly cormorants, which eat sunfish eggs and young fish. Ocean sunfish are one of the most … Read more

Crayfish are a popular food source for large fish, otters, raccoons, mink, and great blue herons. To escape predators, Northern clearwater crayfish and other species use a “tail-flip” response. They are also eaten by turtles, snakes, and birds such as kingfishers. Crayfish, also known as crawfish, are freshwater crustaceans that are found in lakes, streams, … Read more

Cuttlefish are commonly preyed upon by dolphins, sharks, large fish, seals, seabirds, and other cuttlefish. They employ various hunting strategies such as camouflage, ambush, and chasing to catch their prey. Cuttlefish also have an impressive array of defense mechanisms, including ink expulsion and color changing. Cuttlefish are a unique species of marine mollusks found in … Read more

Fish in the ocean are food for many predators, including sharks, seals, whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Some species, like orcas, dolphins, and seals, hunt in groups to take down their prey. Human fishing and ocean pollution are also major threats to marine life. Do you ever wonder what eats fish in the ocean? Fish are … Read more

In their native range, lionfish predators include grouper, snapper, eels, and sharks. However, in their invasive range, these predators are not present and lionfish lack natural predators. Humans are now actively working to reduce lionfish populations through targeted removal measures. Lionfish are an invasive species of fish that have spread throughout the Caribbean, Atlantic, and … Read more

Tuna fish have many predators in the wild. Smaller fish, sharks, and killer whales feed on them, but when they reach adulthood only larger predators can catch them. Humans are also a major predator of tuna, catching them for food and sport. Tuna fish are an incredibly important species of fish for both the environment … Read more

Sharks are the only fish that can blink with both eyes at the same time. This ability helps them to better detect prey and danger, as well as rest their eyes when swimming long distances. Have you ever wondered which fish can blink with both eyes? While you may think of humans and other mammals … Read more

Air-breathing fish are found in many areas around the world. In North America, common species include gar, tarpon, bowfin, and betas. Globally, fish such as lungfishes, mudskippers, snakeheads and air-breathing catfish have adapted to survive in oxygen-depleted waters. These fish have the unique ability to absorb oxygen directly from the air, enabling them to survive … Read more

Triggerfish are well-known for their ability to swim backwards, thanks to their powerful top and bottom fins. Other fish that can swim backwards include the elephantnose fish, which uses its long nose for propulsion, and the batfish, which uses its pectoral fins. Have you ever wondered what kind of fish can swim backwards? Many of … Read more