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Group of Fish:  A group of fish is usually known as a school or a shoal. Both names describe the interesting social life of fish in the ocean. However, the two terms are only substitutes for each other and have unique meanings in marine biology. A shoal is several fish swimming loosely together, although they might not move in sync. On the other hand, a school specifically refers to several fish travelling in the same direction. Therefore, a school of fish means that the fish are swimming in harmony as if they were one body. This movement of fish in a collective action comprises numerous benefits.

When fish form schools, they are protected from predators. When hundreds or thousands of fish are travelling together, predators find it difficult to single out an individual target, which makes it difficult to prey on them. The flickering motion of waves is also known to confuse predators.

Other than that, when fish move in schools, it makes feeding more effective. Also, forming a group is energy-saving to minimise water friction, just like birds flying in a V-formation.

How Many Fish Are There In A School Or Shoal?

The number of fish in a group can range from a few to millions, depending on the species. Sardines, herrings, and anchovies are famous for forming huge schools that turn and make stunning patterns while moving. Greater predator fish like dolphins, sharks, and even whales try to hunt these schools, and showcase their significance within the ocean food chain.

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Interestingly, not all fish prefer to live in groups. Some solitary species of fish love to swim alone for most of their lives, except during breeding times. But for social fish, who make schools or shoals, in such scenarios, the terms mean survival, solidarity, and strength in numbers. These shoals are the strategy for survival. The words shoal and school highlight how animal terms are largely based on their unique characteristics.