THOUSANDS of fish decided to crowd around an unsuspecting diver in an incredible attempt to protect themselves from a giant whale shark lurking behind them.

In the footage, Tobias Sachs can be seen floating in the sea near Hurghada, Egypt, as the tiny fish burst around him.

Yet little did the diver know the group behavior was a way to protect the creatures from an approaching whale shark.

According to diver Reinhart Hoft, 59, also known as James, his friend was so transfixed by the shimmering bait ball that had formed around him that he initially failed to notice the creature creeping up from behind.

Bait balls form when small fish swarm in a tightly packed spherical formation around a common center.

While divers have been known to swim into bait balls to take photographs and carry out research, footage of one building itself around a diver is quite rare.

The clip was shot by diver Rene Thies and fellow underwater enthusiasts have since said they were jealous not to have experienced it with their own eyes.

James, the manager of Blue Water Dive Resort, said, “The school of fish was seeking protection from the whale shark by surrounding the diver.

“We have seen this behavior before, but not when a diver is involved.

“As usual, when a diver is yet to see something that is extremely exciting, we got the diver’s attention so that they could turn around [and see the whale shark].

“The guests who did not get to experience the event were mostly jealous and amazed.

“We are incredibly thankful to our guest who shared this video, which helps us share the beauty of the Northern Red Sea that we get to experience every day.”

Thies, who filmed the moment, said, “Tobias was surprised and didn’t want to move.

“This moment is a breathtaking situation in my film: the whale shark came and we all felt overpowered.

“I was so happy that I could record it because we hardly believe what had just happened.” (SD-Agencies)