I'm studying the dynamics of a speargun and as wondering if there is any information out there on the reaction times of fish.
A fish is targeted usually when it's perpendicular to the gun for a greater chance of a hit. The hunter then shoots. Before the spear reaches the fish it has a chance to react, and will likely turn 90 degrees to become parallel to the gun, thus reducing the chance of a hit.
Is there any data on fish reaction times in response to a threat, or a way to calculate the time it takes for a fish to turn 90 degrees? Also is it correct to assume that a smaller fish can react quicker than a larger fish?
why you're more interested in angles of fish body to make quick reactions? Do angles really works in protection dynamics? or do they compete with the senses and consciousness of targeted animal like fish? A combination of mathematics and behavior can give this study a new approach! I think, all the times are reaction times for fish and any other animal.
Good Luck!
The fish will react when it senses a threat, usually swimming directly away from it. Based upon the time it takes for the fish to react, I can calculate the required speed of the spear to hit the fish at X distance. I'm assuming this is a 90 degree turn away from the threat, which also happens to make the fish parallel to the gun reducing the chance of a hit. I doubt this is a conscious decision to avoid the projectile, but rather a response to escape a threat.