A review of elasmobranch breaching behavior: why do sharks and rays propel themselves out of the water into the air?

August 2024

A. Peter Klimley, Tobey H. Curtis, Emmett M. Johnston, Alison Kock & Guy M. W. Stevens

Keywords: Breach • Parasite Removal • Gill Raker Cleaning • Courtship Behavior  • Conspecifc Interaction • Feeding Strategies

Summary: Sharks and rays exhibit breaching behaviours where they propel out of the water and land on the surface. This behaviour is observed in fast-swimming predatory sharks, slow-swimming planktivorous sharks, and many rays. Breaching may serve multiple functions, such as parasite removal, gill clearing, courtship, feeding, and birthing. Advanced technologies like data loggers and drones have enhanced the study of these behaviours, providing deeper insights into their causes and significance in various species. This study reviews the relevant literature, describing studies and research to provide additional insight into the causation of these behaviours

Abstract

“The elasmobranch fishes, both the sharks and rays, which inhabit the underwater environment, display breaching behaviors consisting of their sudden propulsion out of the water and into the air. They then land on top of the sea surface, displacing water upon contact. At other times, they do not completely clear the water, but partly so, performing a lunge rather than a clear jump or breach. These behaviors have been reported in the scientific literature for the fast-swimming predatory sharks, but also for a slow-swimming planktivorous shark as well as many of the rays. We identify breaching behavior in species in the selachan families, Alopiidae, Carcharhinidae, Cetorhinidae and Lamnidae, and batoidan families, Mobulidae, Aetobatidae, Myliobatidae, Rhinopteridae, and Dasyatidae. We present and discuss evidence in support of the following functions: (1) parasite removal, (2) clearing of gill rakers, (3) expulsion of feces or internal parasites, (4) courtship, (5) attraction of conspecifics, (6) repelled by conspecifics and interpecifics, (7) evasion by conspecifics, (8) feeding, (9) concentrating or stunning of prey, and (10) birthing. Our recording of this behavior has evolved beyond simple observations and now incorporates information gathered through advanced technologies, such as animal-borne data loggers, digital photography, and observations from aerial or underwater drones. Within this context, we review the relevant literature, describing studies and research to provide additional insight into the causation of these behaviors.”

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Author Affiliations

  • Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology, University California

  • Biotelemetry Consultants

  • National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

  • Irish Basking Shark Group

  • Cape Research Centre, South African National Parks

  • South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)

  • The Manta Trust