Collective nouns describe groups of animals, such as a “pride” of lions or a “flock” of birds. However, the name for a group of sharks often leads to confusion and misidentification. This confusion stems from the solitary nature of most sharks, which affects the terminology used to describe their social behavior. Understanding the correct collective noun requires considering the actual biology and temporary groupings of these ocean predators.
The Collective Noun for Sharks
The most widely accepted collective noun for a group of sharks is a “shiver.” This term is a traditional English word, not a formal scientific classification. The origin of “shiver” may relate to the fear associated with multiple sharks, or the way they appear to slice through the water.
Other terms are used depending on the context of the gathering. A large group of sharks swimming together is also referred to as a “school” or “shoal,” terms used for any congregation of fish. If sharks are gathered in a competitive feeding situation, the group is termed a “frenzy.” The word “pack” is incorrect because it implies an organized, cooperative hunting structure that most shark species do not exhibit.
Solitary Nature Versus Grouping
Sharks lack a single, universal collective noun like “pack” because of their solitary behavior. Most species, including apex predators like the Great White Shark, operate as individual hunters across vast oceanic territories. Their survival does not depend on a coordinated group effort to locate or take down prey.
When sharks do gather, they usually form loose, temporary “aggregations” rather than true social groups. These groupings are driven by external factors such as seasonal migrations, abundant food sources, or mating opportunities. This differs from the complex, stable social structures seen in mammals, which involve established hierarchies and long-term bonds.
However, research on species like the Sand Tiger Shark suggests they may form complex social networks. They re-encounter the same individuals throughout the year, indicating more social complexity than previously thought.
Examples of Species That Form Groups
Despite the generally solitary nature of most species, several shark types form predictable, large-scale groups. The Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, for instance, congregates in massive schools, sometimes numbering hundreds of individuals. These aggregations are thought to be related to social interaction, navigation, or mating rituals rather than collective hunting.
The Whale Shark often forms large temporary aggregations when feeding on dense patches of plankton or fish spawn. These gatherings are driven purely by the availability of food and can involve hundreds of individuals.
The Grey Reef Shark exhibits a type of fission-fusion society where individuals return to a home base and form associations that can persist for multiple years. This evidence suggests the social lives of some sharks are more varied and complex than the old solitary predator stereotype allows.