Throughout the animal kingdom, resourcefulness often means the difference between a good meal and an empty stomach. And near coral reefs, where competition for food is particularly fierce, nature has cooked up an extraordinary solution: octopus and fish teaming up to hunt.
This collaboration isn't just about sharing a meal. It’s a carefully coordinated dance where each species plays a distinct and dynamic role. And when a fish slacks off, the octopus isn’t shy about delivering it a swift slap.
Teamwork Beneath the Waves
New research published in Nature Ecology & Evolution studied how the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and several fish species coordinate their hunting efforts to catch prey more effectively. This study meticulously analyzed hunting footage taken during about 120 hours’ worth of dives primarily in coral reefs near Eilat, Israel.
The octopus, with dexterous arms and camouflaging abilities, excels at extracting prey from crevices and hiding spots, commonly using a technique called a web-over.
