Discover the Surprising Sounds of Sharks: What Do They Really Sound Like?

Sharks have long been seen as quiet hunters, silently gliding through the water. However, a new study from New Zealand is shaking up that belief. Researchers have recorded the first known sounds made by sharks—a series of sharp clicks.

These sounds came from rig sharks, a common species in New Zealand’s coastal waters. Locally, people call them "lemon fish," but they shouldn’t be confused with the much larger lemon sharks. The rig shark grows up to five feet long and is known for its flattened teeth, which help it eat shellfish.

Carolin Nieder, a lead researcher from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, discovered the sounds while studying the hearing abilities of rig sharks. Initially, she was puzzled. "Sharks weren’t supposed to make any sounds," she remarked during an interview with Scientific American. After gathering ten juvenile rig sharks and placing them in tanks with microphones, they consistently emitted these clicks, measuring at a volume of 156 decibels.

Interestingly, these clicks occur mainly when the sharks are moving in their tanks, not while they’re swimming or feeding. This led researchers to believe that the clicks are not used for communication among sharks. Instead, Nieder speculates that they might be a response to stress or an attempt to ward off predators, much like how other fish react when threatened.

The findings raise exciting questions about shark behavior. Neil Hammerschlag, president of Atlantic Shark Expeditions, emphasized the need for further exploration into these sounds. He pointed out that this research could reveal new insights into how smaller sharks might signal distress.

Sharks have traditionally been seen as soundless predators. However, this study opens a door to understanding more about their communication and behavior. As scientists continue to investigate, we may learn just how vocal these creatures can be—and what that means for their survival and interaction in the ocean.

For a deeper dive into this subject, check out Royal Society Open Science and other trusted sources.

Source link