Why Do Fish Beach Themselves?

The beaching of a single, live animal is usually the result of sickness or injury. Bad weather, old age, navigation errors, and hunting too close to shore also contribute to beachings. Some whale and dolphin species are more prone to mass beachings. Toothed whales (Odontoceti) are the most commonly affected.

Why do small fish beach themselves?

Experts believe the fish initially beach themselves to avoid predators but are caught out by the rising tide. They become disorientated as they attempt to escape which means they run into shallow waters which they would ordinarily try to avoid. This leaves them stranded once levels drop again.