Inferring the structure and dynamics of interactions in schooling fish

Determining individual-level interactions that govern highly coordinated motion in animal groups or cellular aggregates has been a long-standing challenge, central to understanding the mechanisms and evolution of collective behavior. Numerous models have been proposed, many of which display realistic-looking dynamics, but nonetheless rely on untested assumptions about how individuals integrate information to guide movement. Here we infer behavioral rules directly from experimental data. We begin by analyzing trajectories of golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas) swimming in two-fish and three-fish shoals to map the mean effective forces as a function of fish positions and velocities. Speeding and turning…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: 0848755, 0905970, PHY-0848755, N00014-09-1-1074
• PU
  Princeton University
• NF
  Norges Forskningsråd
• AR
  Advanced Research Projects Agency
• OO
  Office of Naval Research

  Awards: N00014-09-1-1074, N00014