Vicsek-type noise in experimental groups of fish

Living organisms are capable of interacting to form dynamic groups that exhibit long-range order such as the schooling of fish and the flocking of birds. However, the interactions between these individuals leading to interesting group behavior is complex. To understand the coarse-grained interaction between animals in our experimental system, we investigate our data through the lens of the classic Vicsek model. We use video imaging of experimental groups of fish in the lab and image analysis techniques to identify and track these organisms. We find that the Vicsek-type noise associated with the interactions between fish is controllable based on number density of the group.