Blacktip sharks hear sounds 243 feet away, study reveals
Blacktip sharks can hear sounds from 74 metres away, far beyond what researchers previously believed their hearing range to be.
Blacktip sharks have exceptional hearing, according to a new study from Florida Atlantic University. The research found that sharks can detect sounds from as far as 74 metres away, nearly 243 feet.
Blacktip sharks heard sounds well beyond what scientists call near-field sound. Researchers used a drone and a boat off the coast of southeast Florida to test the sharks' responses to low-frequency sounds at three different pitches.
Sharks responded between 71 and 87 per cent of the time and made sharp turns away from the sound source, showing they could pinpoint where it came from. The finding suggests sharks detect water particle movements in ways scientists are only beginning to understand.
- 74 metres (243 feet)
- Detection distance
- 71 to 87 per cent
- Response rate
- Blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus)
- Species studied
- Florida Atlantic University
- Research institution
Why it mattersUnderstanding how sharks hunt and navigate matters for marine ecology and for safety in the ocean. Better knowledge of predator senses helps explain ocean ecosystems and how to avoid danger.
AustraliaAustralian waters are home to many shark species. Understanding their hearing ability helps locals and visitors understand shark behaviour and take appropriate water safety precautions.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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