Sharks - Behaviour

SHARKS

SHARKS - BEHAVIOUR

For many decades, researchers and scientists had very little data about the various shark species available. From the experience of fishermen and divers, sharks were long thought to be solitary animals; hunters that migrated, lived and killed alone. However, in more recent years and with much investigation, sharks have been found to be quite social amongst themselves. Those that are solitary animals are usually those living along the ocean- or river beds, where they are permanently in search of food.

Even in the case of lone sharks, these ones often congregate with others of their species to breed or in an area known as a prolific hunting ground. In addition, some sharks merely prefer to travel in packs. The Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks may travel in packs of over 100 animals. Larger sharks definitely seem to dominate the smaller ones, particularly in feeding issues. In fact, the larger species often eat the smaller ones as they would any other prey.

Almost all species of sharks are carnivorous, most sticking to one particular form of prey with minimal

A hungry Great White Shark in South Africa

variations. However, there are species, like the Tiger Shark, that will eat anything. Some sharks have a filter in their mouth. They suck in huge amounts of water and the filter allows only plankton and small fish to enter. Other species swallow their prey whole (such as squid and fish), while still others use their sharp teeth to rip and tear chunks of flesh from prey. Some sharks, such as the Whitetip Reef Shark, hunt in packs, herding and devouring their prey together. Others prefer to hunt and enjoy their capture alone.

Sharks usually average a cruising speed of about 8 kilometres per hour, which increases to about 19 kilometres when they are pursuing prey.

Interestingly, although sharks have been considered to be relatively unintelligent animals, they have been observed displaying cooperative and insightful behaviour. They have been seen to be curious and able to work in packs to solve a problem (e.g. moving a large dead whale into deeper waters).

Certain shark species do sleep. However, it is done with a level of consciousness as the eyes are open and aware of the surrounding activities. In this state, the shark is also actively pumping water over its gills to ensure that its oxygen levels are maintained despite not moving. Not all shark species are capable of this, however, and some are forced to keep active. Select species are thought to keep only half their brain asleep during their sleeping hours, so that the other half is awake and alert at all times.

Shark behaviour is increasingly becoming a matter of deeper investigation as researchers begin to delve into some of the mysteries of these notorious and beautiful animals.