New York: After observing sand tiger sharks along the coast of North Carolina, scientists have uncovered fascinating details about the sex lives of these elusive predators.
Researchers gathered evidence about the secret mating habits of sharks and found that it’s ‘no gentle affair,’ moneycontrol.com reported.
Scientists examined the bite wounds in sharks and found that sex in these predators often involves “males biting females to hold them in position, leaving visible injuries.”
The study, published in Environmental Biology of Fishes, revealed that this behaviour is mostly evident in larger sharks, where physical restraints make mating more challenging. When the females retaliate, they leave the males wounded with scars.
Led by Jennifer Wyffels of Ripley’s Aquariums and the University of Delaware, the research team kept sand tiger sharks in aquariums and studied 2,876 photographs of wild sharks.
Submitted by citizen scientists to Spot A Shark USA, these images spanning over 15 years highlighted North Carolina as a key mating area.
In order to categorise wounds, from fresh injuries to healed scars, a new four-stage scale was developed.
Sharks also exhibit unique healing abilities. In aquariums, female sharks healed within 85 days, thereby confirming reports of sharks’ rapid healing process.
The study not only sheds light on sand tiger shark mating secrets, but also highlights the importance of North Carolina as a habitat for these elusive predators.
