Why do fish like to move backward?

Fish sometimes exhibit retrograde behavior, swimming against the current. This behavior may be caused by a variety of reasons involving survival, reproduction, foraging, and the environment.

Looking for migration channels

Some fish will migrate long distances, such as during the spawning season, and they may rely on the direction of the water flow to find suitable migration channels. In this case, retrograde swimming can help fish better position and utilize migratory channels to complete their reproductive cycles.

Save energy

Retrograde swimming can also sometimes help fish conserve energy. In some cases, swimming against the current can reduce swimming resistance and help fish move through the water in a more efficient manner, saving energy.

foraging

Sometimes, nutrients, turbidity, suspended particles, etc. in the water flow are driven upstream and fish may move backward to better capture these foods. Retrograde swimming can help them better capture food, especially some bottom-dwelling and suspended food.

avoid danger

Sometimes, a change in the direction of the water flow means there may be danger, such as natural enemies or other destructive factors appearing in the forward direction of the water flow. Fish may choose to move backward to avoid these dangers.

physiological or environmental causes

Sometimes retrograde swimming of fish may be due to the influence of physiological or environmental factors, such as behavioral responses to perceived changes in water quality or other environmental changes.

Generally speaking, there are many reasons why fish swim retrogradely. It may be the result of adapting to the environment, or it may be to meet biological needs such as survival, reproduction, and foraging. Manifestations of this behavior vary, depending on the species of fish, its ecological environment, and the motivation behind a particular behavior.

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