Fish use 'gesture language' to coordinate hunting

Scientists have discovered many different species of fish using gesture language to support each other in hunting activities.

A study, published in Nature Communications, said grouper and coral trout can accompany other marine species to hunt.

Marine species work together to hunt. (Photo: ISTOCKPHOTO)

Grouper is often "paired" with moray eel and wrasse Napoleon, while coral trout is accompanied by octopus to hunt. Scientists found that these two fishes could refer to the prey position by using their head toward it, helping their companions to detect their prey.

After watching for many hours, the team found that, when a fish fled the hunting group, the groupers moved to where the target was hiding. They will rotate their bodies for their heads to fall down, then shake their heads back and forth toward the prey to signal the "accomplices" . Coral salmon also perform similar movements.

Grouper accompanies eels and wrasse Napoleon and uses extremely fast swimming ability to catch prey. The giant eel mora, which can crawl into small niches, combine with wrasse, has a strong jaw so it can crush corals to reveal its prey. Coral salmon or in combination with octopus. This duo has the advantage in tight spaces.

The new finding suggests gesture language may exist in other species, not limited to primates or crows.