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Learning English from the News

Upper intermediate level

Octopuses and fish work together

Episode 250507 / 07 May 2025

(Photo: Getty Images)

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The story

Scientists have discovered fish and octopuses that work together to hunt for food.

During dives in the red sea, a team of scientists filmed octopuses and fish for 120 hours.

They found that octopuses will sometimes punch fish that aren't working as part of the team.

Experts want to study the underwater behaviour more to find out whether octopuses can remember certain fish who have been bad teammates in the past.

News headlines

Octopuses and fish caught on camera hunting as a team
Nature

Octopus packs a punch to direct hunting groups
Cosmos, Australia

Fish join forces with octopuses to hunt but get a sucker punch if they slack off
The Times, UK

Key words and phrases

caught on camera
discovered doing something through a photo or video recording

  • The dogs were caught on camera chewing the sofa while their owner was out. 

packs a punch
has a lot of power or effect

  • I really want my wedding speech to pack a punch and make everyone laugh.

slack off
stop working hard

  • I know you hate your job, but you can't slack off every day. You'll get fired!

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