Sharks sometimes launch themselves out of the water. This striking behavior, known as “breaching,” displays their strength and speed. It is a captivating event that showcases the athleticism of these marine animals.
The Phenomenon of Shark Breaching
Breaching involves a shark propelling itself partially or completely into the air. This act requires a burst of speed and power, typically from their caudal fin or tail. Sharks often approach from below, generating momentum before launching upwards.
The event can range from a partial emergence, where only the head or dorsal fin breaks the surface, to a full aerial leap. Some sharks can reach speeds of 40 miles per hour underwater, launching themselves 10 to 20 feet into the air. This process, from acceleration to re-entry, often takes only a few seconds.
Why Sharks Leap from the Water
Sharks breach for predatory behavior, particularly to ambush prey. Great white sharks, for instance, attack seals and sea lions from below, hitting them with force that propels both out of the water. This strategy is effective for surprising fast-moving prey, especially during low-light conditions like dawn and dusk, which give the shark an advantage.
Breaching can also serve as a form of communication among sharks. The splash and disturbance created by a breach might signal presence, delineate territory, or play a role in courtship rituals. For example, basking sharks are thought to breach as a mating signal.
Another theory suggests that breaching helps sharks dislodge external parasites or remoras. The impact of crashing back into the water can physically remove these attached organisms.
Some instances of breaching may also stem from curiosity or be a form of play. This exploratory behavior is sometimes observed, particularly in younger individuals.
Species Known for Breaching
Several shark species are recognized for their breaching abilities. Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) frequently breach as an ambush hunting tactic, especially for seals around South Africa’s Seal Island. They use their speed and stealth to launch attacks from below.
Shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus), known for being one of the fastest shark species, also breach. They can leap several feet into the air, sometimes reaching heights of 20 feet, often while pursuing prey or when hooked by fishermen. Thresher sharks (Alopias species) are another breaching species, with leaps sometimes linked to stunning or herding schooling fish with their long, whip-like tails.
Even large filter-feeding sharks, such as basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus), have been observed breaching. While reasons for their breaches are still being investigated, theories include communication, related to mating, and possibly parasite removal. Other species like salmon sharks and blacktip sharks also exhibit this behavior.