A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking observation of Pacific sleeper sharks in the South China Sea, providing new insights into their behavior and ecology. The study used a cow carcass as bait to lure eight deep-water sharks to the seafloor at depths of 5,344 feet.
The unique setup allowed scientists to capture rare footage of how these elusive creatures feed, wait for each other, and make room for one another in the crowded feeding grounds. Previous studies have struggled to track the species due to its wide range and preference for cold, dark waters.
Researchers found that body size played a significant role in shaping tactics among the sharks. Larger individuals attacked directly, while smaller ones moved cautiously. The study also revealed social rules among the sharks, including yielding positions to approaching neighbors and carrying fin scars indicating status.
The South China Sea sighting expands the species’ known range in the warm basin and sheds light on how currents, food availability, and temperature structure influence their movements. It joins other recent sightings near the Solomon Islands and Palau, which suggest flexibility beyond traditional range limits.
The study highlights the importance of well-designed experiments, such as this “whale fall” simulation, to capture valuable insights into deep-sea ecology. The findings are published in Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Research and contribute to a better understanding of these fascinating creatures.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/dead-cow-placed-on-the-deep-ocean-floor-filmed-sleeper-shark-unexpected