Most people are well aware that fish - most of them, anyhow - swim in tightly-knit groups known as schools. But when pressed for a rationale, few people know exactly why fish are so intent on sticking together. As it turns out, school is just as smart for fish as it is for people - but for some very different reasons. So, in no particular order, here they are.
There's Safety in Numbers
When pond and lake predators look for a meal, they look for easy targets. And while a school of fish might seem like a logical choice, it's actually easier to identify a single target - and track it down. Schools of fish, on the other hand, present multiple targets. And when a predator goes in for a snack, the school scatters, making it difficult to keep track of a single individual long enough to catch it.
But when survival's at stake, group behavior can always use a helping hand. That's why we recommend Porcupine Fish Attractor Spheres. When placed in your pond, fish will enjoy improved spawning habitat, and young fish will have a great place to hide when predators are on the hunt. Using our fish attractor spheres, you'll see improved fish survival rates, larger stocks, and, if you're so inclined, better fishing.
The Buddy System Makes Life Easier
When a fish goes solo, he faces currents and resistance all alone. And when you have to fight resistance on your own, you have to work hard just to get where you're going. In schools, however, a lazy fish can draft off the fish around him, significantly reducing resistance. By reducing the energy they need to expend, they can expend even less energy looking for food.
For a good paradigm, think of the Tour de France. During each stage of the race, a few aggressive riders typically break from the tightly-packed peloton. Those lead riders are often overtaken late in the race by riders who stuck with the peloton for the majority of the race to enjoy the benefit of riding behind and among other riders whose bodies reduced wind resistance and made the ride less fatiguing. The breakaway riders, on the other hand, are forced to work harder, making it tougher to maintain the lead. Migratory birds often employ the same tactic, flying in v-formations to reduce drag and conserve energy.
While schooling helps to preserve energy, it's still important that your fish have the proper food to stay well, active, and capable of successful reproduction. We strongly recommend a scientifically-balanced food like Game Fish Grower Fish Food. Designed to promote optimal growth of game fish like bass, bluegill, trout and perch, the large pellets are high in protein, which helps to promote a strong fish population for more satisfying game fishing.
Having walked our way through fish that do school, it's worthwhile to note that some simply don't. In most cases, those fish have evolved with a different set of survival techniques - from hiding to aggression - that works just fine for them.