photo

Bait Ball

This bait ball shows how small fish can react when larger predators are near, gathering tightly together in a ball-like formation that exposes the least number of fish.
(Flickr User Critidoc)

This bait ball shows how small fish can react when larger predators are near by gathering tightly together in a ball-like formation that exposes the least number of fish. Fish species found in the open ocean are especially in need of some protection, as they don't have the cracks and crevices that fish in coastal or coral reef habitats have to hide away. Instead, they hide behind one another to form a spherical bait ball, a shape which allows for the protection of the most fish. In some cases, however, predators have adapted in order to get their food despite the movement of their small prey.