Sardine Run, or the migration of sardines, is a crazy race for the survival of the species.
Every year, on the east coast of South Africa , it is possible to admire a truly unique show in the world, namely Sardine Run .
The migration of these small fish along the coasts of South Africa to go to Mozambique is surely one of the most impressive migrations that exist in the marine environment, so that millions of sardines can be observed grouped in tight benches for several kilometers and followed by many predators such as sharks, dolphins, sea lions, whales and wild animals who are there.
This phenomenon takes place over a short period of the year, between mid-June and mid-July. If you’re a smart diver or a seabed lover lover, it’s an extraordinary thing not to be missed.
Return to origins
Why do millions of sardines follow this somewhat suicidal race? In fact, only a part of the South African sardine population undertakes this perilous journey.
As with salmon in rivers or antelopes in African deserts, sardines move to perpetuate their species. Their reproductive instinct is stronger than the survival instinct and that is why they are ready to all the challenges to return weights to their place of birth. This strategy called "homing" works very well since the population continues to grow.
A fantastic experience
If you are not an emeritus swimmer, if you do not like to evolve at the end of the ocean, you can still attend this unique show on board a boat: from the silver waves, you will see a ballet of birds that sting the head in the water.
By approaching this fascinating marine choreography, you’ll be guessing sardine benches that extend over several kilometers and which gather in particular and frantically in a ball (also known as “bait-ball”).
The Sardine Run, an amazing show that will stay engraved in your memories, as if nature offered a kind of underwater ballet to your eyes.
Photo credit: The Telegraph via Amusing Planet
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