Shoaling and schooling

Shoaling is what happens when fish all swim together in a big group. It's like when you and your friends all walk to school together - you're all moving in the same direction, but you're not really all packed in close together. When fish shoal, they stay close to each other for safety, and they move together to find food or avoid predators. It's like they're all in a big fish club, and they're friends!

Schooling is a little different. It's like when you and your classmates all sit together in the same classroom, listening to your teacher. When fish school, they swim very close together in a tight group. It's like they're all holding hands or swimming in a big fish parade! They do this for the same reasons as shoaling - to stay safe and find food - but it's even more effective because they all move together very fast, and predators can't single out one fish to eat. It's like they're all part of a big fish team!