Tough Predator In The Ocean: Great White Sharks Can Also Hunt Together In Groups

Illustration of a white shark. (Wikimedia Commons/Elias Levy)

JAKARTA - The social life of great white sharks may be more complex than previously thought. After tracking these six large predators off the coast of the Mexican island of Guadalupe, researchers found this ocean apex predator actually had a softer side.

So far, marine biologists have had some difficulty studying shark foraging socially, with less focus on the social associations these predators have.

Researchers from Florida International University, United States were able to make significant progress in this area, by studying great white sharks using cameras and telemetry receivers to observe social behavior.

The study found these sharks, which range in length from 11 to 16 feet (males are typically smaller, females larger), are able to form 'non-random social associations and may stay close to each other to take advantage of pincer kills.'

However, the study's lead author, Dr. Yannis Papastamatiou said this 'friendship' did not last long.

"Most of the associations were short. But there were sharks where we found much longer associations, much more likely to be social associations," he said.

"Seventy minutes is a long time to swim with another great white shark," he added.

Illustration of a white shark. (Wikimedia Commons/Bernard DUPONT)

The great white shark is a formidable predator, with jaws that can reach a length of 36 inches or 92 centimeters. Depending on their size, they can exert a force with their jaws that ranges from 0.3 tons to 1.8 tons. The great white shark has no known rival, apart from killer whales and of course, humans.

"We show sharks can form some strong associations, over several days, with multiple individuals," Papastamatiou said.

"But there is a lot of variation between sharks in how social they are and how they behave."

"Sharks may live near other individuals if that individual manages to kill a large prey," Papastamatiou added.

The researchers tracked three males and three females of the species and found that they preferred same-sex companionship. Some sharks, too, have been shown to be better at socializing than others. A shark makes at least 12 friends within 30 hours of being tracked.

Meanwhile, another shark showed itself to be more introverted than its gregarious counterpart, only making two friends in the span of five days. As for some sharks socialize depending on the time and depth of their hunt.

It is known, Guadalupe is an area full of favorite foods of predators, tuna and seals. The clear water in this area also makes it easy to track the whereabouts of these mysterious animals.

However, one question still baffles researchers. Papastamatiou wants to know why the great white shark feels the need to socialize.

"We still don't know. But it is likely that they will remain in close proximity to other individuals if the individual manages to kill a large prey," he said. They don't work together, but socializing can be a way to share information."