News Animals

Lionfish dance can recruit partner for hunting

Special shimmy and fin flares can start cooperative attack

GONE FISHING  Two predatory lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra) from Australia swim together on their way to mount a joint attack on smaller fish. Lionfish species may turn out to be good cooperators.

OM Lönnstedt 

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

Lionfish may be surprisingly sophisticated at hunting with partners. They shimmy their tails and fan out their fins in a signal that recruits a buddy, and they might even take turns gulping prey.