Sharks Found to Communicate, Debunking Silence Myth

Quick Summary

• Discovery: The houndshark species Mustelus lenticulatus, native to New Zealand, makes clicking noises, challenging the previous belief that sharks are universally silent.
• Research Background: Carolin Nieder, during her doctoral studies at the University of Auckland and now affiliated with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, observed these sounds while handling juvenile rig sharks in controlled experiments.
• Sound Mechanism: The clicking may result from snapping jaws together; a conclusion based on observation and sound recordings from lab tests involving 10 juvenile rigs.
• Potential Functions:

– Defense tactic against predators (e.g., disorienting attackers).
– A role in hunting prey like crustaceans (e.g., scaring/distracting them).

• Implications:

– Sound production could offer new methods to study shark populations via recorded ocean sound data.
– Broader ecological insights into underwater communication among marine species.

Read More: Houndshark Species Mustelus Lenticulatus
The houndshark species Mustelus lenticulatus
Credit: Paul Caiger

!Teeth of rig shark
Teeth of the rig shark
Credit: Eric Parmentier