A new study demonstrates that lionfish use a ‘flared fin’ signal to communicate with each other and engage in cooperative hunting. (Photo credit: Oona M. Lönnstedt)
Like their namesakes on land, lionfish demonstrate cooperative hunting, according to a new study.
Lab tests showed that lionfish use a unique ‘flared fin’ display to alert other lionfish to the presence of prey. They then work together to herd the prey into smaller areas and take turns striking at the group.
This type of mutually beneficial hunting could help explain the success of lionfish, both in their native grounds and as invasive species in the Caribbean.
Original research paper published in the journal Biology Letters on June 24, 2014.
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