By Courtney Cooper
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How Sharks Communicate
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Animals use specific ways to communicate with each other. For us, humans, we use our voices in verbal communication with the use of different languages, and non-verbally by using facial expressions, and hand and body gestures. Sharks can’t communicate verbally, so how do they communicate with each other and how can we try to identify what they are saying? We look at the different shark communication methods in this article. We also discuss further shark facts that you might be interested in! Apex Shark Expeditions provides the best great white shark cage diving in Cape Town.
The Science of Shark Communication
Biting Fins
You may have seen some sharks biting each other’s fins in documentaries or if you were lucky enough in person! Sharks bite each other for different reasons and these bites leave some serious marks and scars! Sharks normally bite each other during their mating rituals, which entails the male shark biting the female to get their attention as well as to position themselves for the actual mating.
The Dropping of the Pectoral Fin
The pectoral fins are located behind the shark’s head and extend upwards. They are used for steering and braking during swimming and aid the shark by providing a lift. When faced with a threat, the sharks pectoral fin drops, their back begins to arch and they start swimming in figure eight loops. They use this movement to warn the threat to leave them alone.
Arching of the Back
The shark arches their back to appear bigger and more aggressive. This manoeuvre is a warning and if the threat does not leave the area by swimming away, the shark will take it as a challenge and start attacking the threat. The treat can be a predator or a competitor for territory, mating or feeding.
Slapping of the Tail
Sharks use tail slapping to show how strong they are. This move is aggressive and shows that the shark means business. Sharks normally display tail slapping when it comes to food by either fighting for food and or protecting their meal. Tail slapping can also be used to communicate via surface sounds, which is a common way in which whales communicated with each other. The Thresher shark is known to stun their prey by forcefully slapping schools of fish with incredible strength and speed. The fish are left stunned giving the Thresher Shark enough time to consume them.

Gaping of the Mouth
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Mouth gaping is a threat display but it can also indicate irritation. The shark will typically approach the surface with a gaping mouth and open and close it a few times. The Great White Shark is popular for their mouth gaping in which you can see their set of razor-sharp teeth and the inside of their large mouth. Other animals are also known to mouth gape, including snakes, bears and seagulls.
Sharks don’t only communicate to attack, they use different techniques to mate, protect territory and warn of threats. By using these communication techniques they can avoid being injured or killed by other sharks or predators attempting to challenge them. There are still so many more ways that sharks communicate that we don’t even know about yet! We also discuss interesting facts about killer whales.