Sharks inhabit nearly all the world’s oceans. While often perceived as solitary hunters, the social dynamics of sharks are more complex than commonly understood, prompting questions about the terminology used when they gather.
The Names for Shark Groups
The most recognized term for a group of sharks is a “shiver.” This collective noun vividly conveys an image of movement. The origin of “shiver” in this context is thought to stem from the Old English word “shive,” meaning a slice or shard, reflecting the sharks’ smooth, cutting motion through the water.
While “shiver” is the specific and evocative term, other collective nouns are sometimes used depending on the sharks’ behavior. When sharks swim together in a coordinated fashion, particularly if they are of the same species, they might be referred to as a “school” or a “shoal.” Less commonly, a group of sharks hunting together can be called a “pack,” and during intense feeding events, the term “frenzy” is applied. These alternative terms highlight the varied activities and interactions sharks exhibit when in proximity to one another.
When Sharks Group Together
Despite the common perception of sharks as solitary, many species do form groups under specific circumstances. These aggregations are often driven by biological needs such as migration, feeding opportunities, mating, or even protection. For instance, some species migrate long distances in groups, responding to seasonal temperature changes or following food sources.
Feeding events can draw numerous sharks to a single location, creating what is known as a “feeding frenzy.” This occurs when abundant prey, such as a large school of fish or a whale carcass, overwhelms individual sharks, leading to competitive eating where multiple sharks converge. While this can appear chaotic, some species may still maintain a sense of order within the frenzy.
Mating behavior also prompts sharks to gather; for example, basking sharks, typically solitary, form large circular groups for courtship displays, acting like a “speed-dating” event. Scalloped hammerhead sharks are particularly known for forming large schools, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, during daylight hours, possibly for social interaction, protection, or as part of their migrations to cooler waters. These groupings demonstrate that while many sharks are indeed solitary hunters, their social behaviors are diverse and adapted to various ecological pressures.