1. Ballistic Beloniformes attacking through Snell's Window
- Author
-
F. Mueller, N. Meyers-Cherry, Ian R. Tibbetts, Lee Carseldine, and Ryan D. Day
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Beloniformes ,biology ,Ecology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Evasion (network security) ,Snell's window ,Aquatic Science ,Computer security ,computer.software_genre ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Predation ,Predatory behavior ,Vision in fishes ,computer ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
Needlefishes (Beloniformes) were observed employing a range of stalking and attacking behaviours to attack schools of bait fishes ranging from the use of tactics common to predatory fishes to a novel behaviour: the use of leaping, aerial attacks. These aerial attacks are suggested to serve two purposes: to extend the attack range of the needlefishes and to reduce their prey's potential for evasion. Furthermore, a third purpose is hypothesized that the needlefishes are taking advantage of Snell's Window, an optical effect which may mask their approach to their prey.
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF