Sharks are known to launch themselves out of the water. This spectacular behavior, often referred to as breaching, captivates observers and showcases their athleticism. While not all shark species exhibit this behavior, it is a display of power and speed.
The Act of Breaching
Breaching involves a shark propelling its entire body clear of the water’s surface. This requires speed and a powerful thrust from their tail.
Great white sharks, for instance, can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour underwater before launching themselves up to 10 feet into the air. Sharks typically approach from below, using their caudal fin to generate momentum.
Basking sharks, despite their slow nature, have also been observed to propel themselves from depths of 20 meters to breach. This action is energetically demanding for these animals. The process, from acceleration to re-entry, often takes only seconds.
Reasons for Leaping
Sharks breach for various reasons, with hunting being a primary motivation for some species. Great white sharks frequently employ breaching as an ambush tactic, surprising prey such as seals and sea lions by attacking from beneath. This strategy is effective at dawn and dusk, when low light offers the shark an advantage.
Beyond hunting, breaching can serve as communication among sharks. The loud splash and visual display might signal presence, delineate territory, or play a role in courtship rituals. Basking sharks are thought to breach as a mating signal.
Another proposed reason for leaping is to dislodge external parasites or remoras. While some fish rub against sharks to remove parasites, breaching provides a forceful method for the shark itself to achieve this. Some researchers also speculate that breaching might be play or exploration, though this is less understood.
Sharks Known for Aerial Displays
Several shark species are known for their aerial displays. Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are the most famous, often launching themselves up to 10 feet out of the water. This behavior is common in areas like False Bay, South Africa, where they hunt Cape fur seals, and has also been observed in Southern California.
Mako sharks, especially the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), are acrobatic and known for their jumps. As the fastest shark species, their speed contributes to their ability to leap considerable heights, with jumps reaching up to 30 or even 40 feet. Thresher sharks (Alopias species) also breach, often utilizing their long tails to stun prey. Basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus), the second-largest fish, also breach, sometimes multiple times in a row.
Observing Breaching Behavior
Breaching is not seen in all shark species, and is relatively infrequent even among those that do. The energy required for such a leap means it is not an everyday occurrence.
The most well-known location for observing shark breaching, particularly by great whites, is off South Africa, around Seal Island in False Bay. The peak season for witnessing these events spans from May to September, with June through August being the most active. Early mornings, around dawn, often provide the best opportunities to witness hunting breaches. Basking sharks, unlike great whites, have been observed breaching during both day and night.