For the first time, researchers have captured sounds made by sharks, according to a new study published in the Royal Society Open Science. The rig shark, also known as the spotted estuary smoothhound, produces clicking sounds when handled, contrary to the long-held belief that sharks are silent.
The study was conducted by marine biologist Carolin Nieder at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, who discovered the clicks while analyzing the hearing capabilities of sharks during her doctorate program in New Zealand. She caught seven rig sharks and used circular flow-through holding tanks to acclimate them before handling them in an experimental tank.
During the handling, the sharks produced an average of nine clicks over 20 seconds, with significantly more clicks during the initial 10 seconds. The overall click duration was only 48 milliseconds. The study found that 25% of the clicks occurred when the sharks reacted with vigorous bending of their head and body, while 70% occurred with calm swaying.
Nieder believes the clicking sound may be used by small sharks like the rig shark to disorient predators during an attack, potentially giving them a brief advantage in escaping. The study’s findings also suggest that sharks could use this form of communication.
“This opens up an avenue for future research,” said Neil Hammerschlag, president of Atlantic Shark Expeditions, who was not part of the study. Nieder hopes her initial observation will inspire others to explore shark research and discover more about these silent creatures.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/sound-recordings-sharks-captured-researchers-new-study-shows/story?id=120173506