The Clever Fish Who Outsmarted the Net

In the vast, sunlit waters of the River Dhansiri, fish of all sizes darted through the current, living their lives with joy and freedom. Among the many, there lived a sharp-witted fish named Tuna — not large or particularly fast, but clever beyond measure.

Tuna was different. While others spent their days showing off their speed or shimmering scales, Tuna would often rest near the riverbank, watching and thinking. He noticed things: the way the reeds rustled when predators were near, how shadows changed with the time of day, and most importantly, how the currents shifted after a storm.

One humid morning, the peaceful waters were disturbed by an unusual smell — the scent of blood and death. The elders of the river said that crocodiles had returned.

The very word sent chills down every fish’s fin. Crocodiles hadn’t been seen for years in that part of the river. But when a young fish named Moti went missing near the eastern bend, everyone grew anxious.

Then came the warnings: broken reeds, murky waters, and worst of all, silence near the mangroves. It was a crocodile's trap, and everyone knew it.

A panic meeting was called under the Great Banyan Root where all the river creatures discussed what to do.

“We must move upstream!” cried an old turtle.

“Hide in the caves!” said a frightened frog.

But Tuna spoke calmly, “Running won’t help. The crocodile is clever. He will follow us. What we need is not fear — but a plan.”

The other fish looked at Tuna with suspicion.

“You? What do you know of crocodiles?” scoffed Raju, the muscular catfish.

“You’re small and soft. This is a problem for strong swimmers like me.”

Tuna didn’t argue. He just nodded and slipped away into the murky waters, thinking hard.

That night, under the cover of darkness, Tuna explored the mangroves quietly. As expected, there it was — the crocodile, half-submerged, still as a stone. But Tuna wasn’t afraid. He observed. The beast had positioned himself between two fallen logs — a narrow path fish often used to travel.

“It’s a trap,” thought Tuna. “He’s not hunting. He’s waiting.”

The next morning, Tuna returned with a plan. He gathered the bravest fish and shared his idea.

“It’s risky,” he admitted, “but it’s our best chance.”

He explained how the crocodile was using a feeding path as bait and how, with careful teamwork, they could turn the predator into prey.

At sunset, Tuna led a small group of fish to the edge of the crocodile’s lair. But instead of swimming through the logs, Tuna asked them to stir up the muddy bottom just upstream, clouding the water. Then, they floated leaves and small debris downstream — pretending to be an unaware school of fish.

The crocodile, sensing motion and vibration, opened his jaws silently and lunged.

But the moment he moved, he triggered Tuna’s trap.

You see, Tuna had spent the morning gnawing away at the thin vines that held the log above. With just a nudge, it rolled forward and CRACK! — slammed down, trapping the crocodile’s tail.

Roaring in pain and thrashing wildly, the crocodile was stuck long enough for the fish to escape safely.

The whole river buzzed with the news — “Tuna outsmarted a crocodile!”

Even Raju, the catfish, humbly swam up to Tuna. “Your brain did what my brawn never could. I’m sorry I doubted you.”

Tuna smiled gently. “Sometimes, the smallest wave can shift the heaviest stone. We just need to think before we panic.”

The river was peaceful again. And Tuna? He didn’t seek praise or power. He simply returned to his quiet corner near the reeds, watching, thinking, and smiling to himself.

Because he knew — in a world full of strength and speed, it was wisdom that had saved them all.

Moral of the Story:

Being clever and calm in the face of danger can often protect you better than strength or fear. Brains can defeat brawn — if used wisely.