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A new stereophotographic technique for analyzing the three-dimensional structure of fish schools

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Ecology and ethology of fishes

Synopsis

A technique using two downward-directed 35 mm cameras has been modified to measure the three-dimensional structure of fish schools. The resulting stereo pairs of photographs are analyzed, producing the 3-coordinate location of each fish’s nose, after correction for lens distortion and refraction. Separation angles (bearing and elevation) and distance can then be determined for any pair of fish in the school. The technique’s high level of accuracy is demonstrated for an underwater calibration field. It is then applied to the measurement of the 3-D structure of schools of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) swimming in a hatchery trough. Although the fish were not organized in a rigid crystal lattice, the analysis provided some evidence of structure.

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David L. G. Noakes Jack A. Ward

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© 1981 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Dill, L.M., Dunbrack, R.L., Major, P.F. (1981). A new stereophotographic technique for analyzing the three-dimensional structure of fish schools. In: Noakes, D.L.G., Ward, J.A. (eds) Ecology and ethology of fishes. Developments in environmental biology of fishes, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-1341-2_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-1341-2_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-481-8523-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-017-1341-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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