Silvery Fish Fountains
Have to share this magical experience we had while swimming one November morning at our favourite area for snorkelling towards the western end of Pissouri Bay…
Shoals of tiny slim silver fish suddenly jumped out of the sea near the shore. Bursting out of the surface, their formations created mesmerising glistening silvery fountains – almost simultaneously rising in one spot, then leaping in all directions, before reappearing elsewhere. We watched in delight and astonishment. In the grand finale, the formation changed, this time in sequence each fish leapt towards the same direction – creating a marvellous curved Mexican wave.
Why Do They Do This?
We could hardly believe what we had witnessed. On learning later that there were earthquake tremors at this exact moment, we wondered if that was the cause. However, as we found another beach regular who has seen this phenomenon in the same area, at times when there was no seismic activity, it seems likely this was purely coincidental.
Curiosity lead us to look into this further… It seems that while a number of fish species habitually leap out of the water, this was most likely to have been a shoal of anchovies; both from the appearance of the fish, and this typical behaviour pattern – descriptively known to fishing folk as ‘boils’.
Due to their tiny size and vulnerability, it is to their advantage to swim together in large synchronised groups. Mass leaping out of the water can be a defence strategy, when the shoal is chased by a predator. It also forms a part of their spawning ritual, which can take place at all times of the year. Or perhaps the anchovies were spooked by us. It would be wonderful to learn more about this fascinating behaviour.
If you are visiting Pissouri Bay, particularly western end of the beach, towards the Cape Aspro headland, keep your eyes out for this glorious free display.