Recent studies have revolutionized our understanding of giant danios' (Devario aequipinnatus) schooling behavior. Researchers have discovered that these fish rarely maintain the planar diamond formations previously thought to be optimal for hydrodynamic efficiency.
Instead, a study revealed that giant danios often form vertical 'ladder formations,' with only a small percentage of fish pairs aligning in the same plane. This suggests that hydrodynamic benefits can be achieved without fixed formations, highlighting the dynamic nature of fish schools.
Further research demonstrated that schooling fish expend significantly less energy while swimming in turbulent water. Another study highlighted the importance of vision, as danios do not school in darkness, revealing the complex interplay of sensory modalities in their behavior.
These findings collectively challenge traditional perspectives on schooling, emphasizing the adaptability of giant danios and the intricate factors influencing their social dynamics.