Scientists have challenged the ancient belief that sharks are mute by discovering that these marine predators can produce sounds.
This finding, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, documents for the first time the active sound production by sharks, which rethinks our understanding of their behavior.
The study in New Zealand
10 juvenile rig sharks –5 females and 5 males– were used for the study over a period of 11 months. The sounds were recorded in an experimental plastic tank set up to record the sounds.
The researchers, led by Carolin Nieder from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in the United States, discovered that on average “sharks produced significantly more clicks” in the first 10 seconds of handling compared to the following 10 seconds.
They believe that the forced clashing of the teeth of the rig shark is the likely source of the sound.
Frequency and morphology of the sounds emitted by sharks
Scientists base this hypothesis on the morphology of the teeth with plates of the rig shark, as well as on the type of noise produced, specifically its short duration (48 milliseconds) and high peak frequencies (2.4-18.5 kHz), but noted that further research is needed to confirm it.
Biologists said that the purpose of the click sound “remains uncertain,” but it could occur “in response to disturbances or distress.” Further research will be required on behavior to investigate this.
Possible purposes of the sound
Although the exact purpose of the sound remains uncertain, biologists suggest that it could be related to disturbances or distress signals. Further studies on their behavior will be essential to better understand this new dimension of shark communication.
This discovery not only expands our perception of sharks but also opens new lines of research on their interaction with the environment and other organisms.
Cover photo: Paul Caiger
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