September 17th, 2024
A team of scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) in New Zealand has stumbled upon a curious and endearing behaviour exhibited by blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds, showing these fish chasing lasers like kittens during a routine research project, according to NIWA.
The big picture: The research initially aimed to assess the abundance and anatomy of blue cod using advanced underwater cameras equipped with lasers for precise measurements. However, it was the fish's unexpected reaction to the laser technology that captured the team's attention.
Zoom in: Marine ecology technician Charlotte Bodie was the first to spot the unusual activity. "When trying to count and measure the blue cod, we saw that they were chasing our lasers, just like cats do!" she said. This playful behaviour was exclusive to blue cod, as no other species demonstrated a similar interest in the laser points.
What they're saying: Brooke Madden, another marine ecology technician on the project, found the cod's behaviour initially disruptive to their counting efforts but later discovered a silver lining. "It made it hard for us to count blue cod as they tended to aggregate and follow the lasers. But it also meant we could measure the fish more accurately because they swam closer to the lasers," Madden noted.
Between the lines: Despite the intriguing discovery, the team has not explored the underlying reasons for the blue cod's laser-chasing antics. The fish's anatomy, particularly their large lateral eyes capable of independent rotation, suggests a high level of curiosity that could be the key to their behaviour. "They are very inquisitive fish... Finding out why they chase the lasers like cats could make a great project one day," Bodie remarked.
Why it matters: Blue cod, significant to New Zealand's recreational and commercial fishing industries, are known for their adaptability, including their ability to change sex from female to male. The current study, funded by Fisheries New Zealand, aims to enhance understanding of blue cod juvenile habitats but has inadvertently shed light on the playful nature of these marine creatures.
The bottom line: This accidental discovery not only highlights the complexity and curiosity of marine life but also opens the door to further research into the behavioural patterns of blue cod and potentially other marine species.