Scientists at the University of Auckland have made a groundbreaking discovery – they’ve recorded a shark actively making noise. The rig shark, native to New Zealand, was found to occasionally make a clicking sound, similar to a spark of electricity or a series of clicks.
The discovery was accidental and came after researchers, led by marine biologist Carolin Nieder, began studying the hearing abilities of sharks in 2021. They were observing rig sharks in tanks when they heard a clicking sound coming from one of the sharks.
Further research revealed that the sharks would click whenever they were held, possibly due to their teeth snapping together. However, when swimming, the sharks did not make any noise, suggesting that the clicks may be a stress response.
The study’s findings add complexity to the mysterious creatures and challenge the common perception of sharks as silent predators. In reality, many shark species are smaller bottom-feeders that play an important role in maintaining marine ecosystems.
Nieder hopes her research will spark curiosity about sharks and their sound-making abilities, encouraging people to listen more closely to these creatures in their natural habitats.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/03/nx-s1-5342464/shark-sounds-new-zealand