Cover me

August 7, 2023 7:10 PM

An experiment on coral reefs provides the first evidence that predators use other animals for motion camouflage to approach their prey without detection. "A new study provides the first experimental evidence that the trumpetfish, Aulostomus maculatus, can conceal itself by swimming closely behind another fish while hunting – and reduce the likelihood of being detected by its prey."
posted by dhruva (5 comments total)

"Human duck hunters historically hid behind cardboard cut-outs of domestic animals - called ‘stalking horses’ - to approach ducks without being detected."

interesting, like hiding in The Baffles.
posted by clavdivs at 7:34 PM on August 7, 2023

This trumpetfish behavior is common to see in the Caribbean. I had assumed they were harassing the cover fish.
posted by tylermoody at 4:15 AM on August 8, 2023

I've seen this exact behavior as well in the Galapagos, Ecuador and at Cocos Island, Costa Rica.

Another interesting 'trick' which I also observed is for a group of hunting fish to find & flush an eel out of its normal hiding place. The eel then swims out looking for another place to hide which in turn flushes other fish out into the open where they can be taken by hunters.
posted by Insert Clever Name Here at 6:28 AM on August 8, 2023

Hmm... "motion comoflauge," you say. This sounds like how I approached the dancefloor in my 20s.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 8:15 AM on August 8, 2023

I was diving Sail Rock in Thailand this spring and the fish there absolutely do this. It's almost a badge of honor if they choose you - it means your trim is very good.
posted by Ardnamurchan at 1:09 PM on August 8, 2023 [1 favorite]