Sharks can hear nearly 250 feet away and pinpoint the source
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have confirmed that blacktip sharks can detect and orient away from sounds from as far as 250 feet away. This study provides the first quantified evidence of how free-swimming sharks utilize their acoustic sense to navigate their environment.
Why it matters
Understanding shark sensory capabilities helps scientists better comprehend marine behavior and the impact of human-made noise on ocean ecosystems.
The ocean is filled with sound, and for sharks, those sounds can reveal what is happening well beyond their field of view. Noise produced by prey, predators, and other animals may provide important information about the surrounding environment. Yet scientists have had little direct evidence showing just how far a shark swimming freely in the ocean can hear, or whether it can tell where a distant sound originated.
A new study from Florida Atlantic University is beginning to answer those questions. Researchers studying blacktip sharks ( Carcharhinus limbatus ) used an underwater speaker, a drone, and wild sharks swimming naturally in coastal waters. They found that the animals could detect sounds from substantial distances and abruptly turn away from the source, even when it was nearly 250 feet away.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in