Shoaling and Schooling?

Oh ok, so there is no difference? I thought maybe a shoaling fish didn't need as many of the same type fish around them as a schooling fish....or maybe that "shoaling fish" like to be in groups but don't necessarily follow each other in the same swim pattern and just go any which way they want to go and that a "schooling fish" would all swim in the same direction together.
 
Shoaling is when a large number of the same species of fish group together.


Schooling is proving someone wrong and embarassing them.... thuroughly.

Seriously though, it's the same thing, just that 'schooling' is more likely to be said by an average fish keeper, and 'shoaling' is more likely to come from Attenburough. ;)
 
technically there really is a difference. Shoal is a collective noun for fish. The term "shoal" applies for any group of fish, including mixed-species groups. "School" is for more closely knit groups of the same species swimming in a highly synchronized and polarized manner, essentially taking on the appearance of being one in motion and purpose. Both schooling and shoaling are socially important to the psychology of the fish and both are used to increase longevity in a world full of predators.
 
ANYWAY......they do it when they are frightened......or to avoid being eaten. If they are comfortable in your home aquarium, don't expect them to do it much.


REMEMBER.....We can't really expect fish to act as if they are in the wild....when they're in a glass box in our living room. lol
 
ANYWAY......they do it when they are frightened......or to avoid being eaten. If they are comfortable in your home aquarium, don't expect them to do it much.


REMEMBER.....We can't really expect fish to act as if they are in the wild....when they're in a glass box in our living room. lol

Agreed! :thm: :thm:
 
Given enough space and proper incentive, they will school.
 
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