Octopuses punching fish, out of spite

[Eldorado]

In new proof that 2020 has been a crappy year basically everywhere, scientists have captured video evidence of octopuses randomly punching at fish, possibly for no reason other than being spiteful.

While this remarkable, rather nasty-sounding behaviour might seem like it comes from a place of direct conflict between different animal species, that's not the whole story, researchers say.

In fact, this antisocial fish-punching phenomenon – which scientists term "active displacement" of fish – occurs in the midst of collaborative hunting efforts, in which octopuses and fish team up to chase and trap prey together.

Full monty at Science Alert: Link

 

[Picturesque Orion]

Punching out of spite = Antisocial Active Displacement

 

Love it!

 

 

[+susieice]

From link:   An eight armed bully  

While we can't yet know for sure why octopuses are randomly punching fish like this, at least one of the theoretical explanations given suggests octopuses may have some serious attitude.

 

[Kismit]

I like the idea of an octopus being the equivalent of the old man on the porch waiving a stick at people. 

 

Get off my lawn!!!!

[Stiff]

Sucker punch?

[jethrofloyd]

He punches better than James Bond in a movie Octopussy.  

[Brandy333]

Sounds like there are bullies everywhere, even in the marine world.