Sharks do not make noise in the same way that many other animals do. They do not have vocal cords, unabling them to produce sounds in the way that mammals do. However, there are two sharks that are known to make bark-like sounds when threatened. Additionally, sharks have other ways to communicate.
“Barking” Shark
While sharks usually don’t make noise, there is a shark species that is able to produce noise that could be described as a kind of “barking.” This species is the draughtsboard shark, a.k.a. the swell shark.
The draughtsboard shark (Cephaloscyllium laticeps) is a species of catshark that is found in the coastal waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean. When threatened, these species have been known to produce a kind of “barking” sound. The sound is produced after inhaling air and releasing it in an instant.
How do sharks communicate?
Sharks are known to communicate through body language, using movements of their bodies and fins to convey different types of information. Sharks use their fins, tails, and eyes to communicate with each other as well as to express their aggression and territoriality. Sharks can also communicate through scent, releasing chemicals into the water in order to mark their territory or attract a mate.
Sharks also use their electroreceptors to communicate with other sharks, locate prey, and navigate movement. For example, some sharks can detect the weak electrical fields produced by the muscles of their prey as they swim through the water, allowing them to locate and attack their prey even in complete darkness or muddy water. Sharks also use their electroreceptors to navigate and orient themselves in their environment and to communicate with other sharks through electrical signals.
While sharks do not make noise in the same way that many other animals do, they are still able to communicate and interact with their environment in a variety of ways.
Conclusion
Sharks do not make noise in the same way that many other animals do. However, they are still able to communicate and interact with their environment in a variety of ways, such as through body language, scent, and electroreception. The draughtsboard shark is an exception to this rule and is able to produce a kind of “barking” sound when threatened. Nevertheless, sharks are still able to communicate and interact with their environment in a variety of ways.
Draughtsboard Shark Featured Image by: Victorgrigas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
