Listen to the first recorded evidence of a rig shark producing sound

Yahoo! News - Mar 26th, 2025

In a groundbreaking study published in the Royal Society Open Science, scientists discovered that the rig shark, Mustelus lenticulatus, can produce sound by snapping its teeth, a trait previously unknown in sharks. This discovery was made by Dr. Carolin Nieder and her team, who recorded the clicks of 10 juvenile rig sharks housed in controlled laboratory conditions. These clicks, similar to a balloon popping, challenge the perception of sharks as silent predators and suggest a new mode of communication or distress signaling in these marine animals.

The significance of this discovery extends beyond understanding rig sharks to potentially unveiling acoustic capabilities in other shark species. The research opens new questions about sound production in sharks, which lack the swim bladder used by most fish to produce sound. The implications of these findings could change how scientists study shark behavior and ecology in their natural habitats. Researchers are eager to investigate whether these sounds occur in the wild, potentially as a form of communication or warning signal among sharks, and how this could impact the understanding of shark interactions and conservation efforts.

Rig Shark Mustelus Lenticulatus Shark Communication Carolin Nieder Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute Neil Hammerschlag Royal Society Open Science

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RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded and accurate account of a recent scientific discovery, detailing the first recorded evidence of sound production in rig sharks. It effectively communicates complex information in a clear and engaging manner, supported by credible sources and expert opinions. While the article excels in clarity and readability, it could benefit from additional perspectives and a deeper exploration of the study's implications. Overall, it succeeds in presenting a novel finding with potential significance for marine biology and conservation, making it a valuable contribution to public understanding of shark behavior.

Accuracy

The article provides a largely accurate account of the recent study on rig sharks, accurately describing the findings about sound production. The claim that sharks are generally silent due to a lack of sound-producing organs aligns with established knowledge about shark biology. The article correctly attributes the discovery of sound production to the rig shark and details the study's methodology, including the use of hydrophones to record sounds. However, while the article mentions the clicks' frequency and volume, it does not specify the range of 2.4 to 18.5 kHz or the exact decibel level of 156, which would enhance precision. Additionally, the article's hypothesis about the function of the sounds as distress signals or communication is speculative and requires further verification.

Balance

The article presents the study's findings without overt bias, offering insights into potential new understandings of shark behavior. It includes quotes from Dr. Carolin Nieder, the lead author, and Neil Hammerschlag, an expert not involved in the research, providing a balanced view. However, it could benefit from additional perspectives, such as other marine biologists or experts in animal communication, to broaden the context and explore alternative interpretations of the data. The article leans towards the exciting potential of the discovery without deeply exploring any counterarguments or skepticism regarding the findings.

Clarity

The article is well-written and clear, effectively communicating complex scientific concepts to a general audience. It uses straightforward language and logical structure, making the information accessible. The explanations of scientific terms, such as 'hydrophones' and 'decibels,' are concise and informative. The narrative flows logically from the introduction of sharks' silent reputation to the groundbreaking discovery, maintaining reader engagement throughout. The tone is neutral and informative, contributing to the article's clarity.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including a study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science and commentary from experts in the field. Dr. Carolin Nieder, the lead author, provides direct insights, adding credibility. Neil Hammerschlag, a recognized figure in shark research, offers an external perspective. The reliance on these authoritative voices supports the article's reliability. However, the article could enhance source variety by incorporating additional scientific opinions or referencing more studies to strengthen its foundation.

Transparency

The article is transparent about the study's methodology, describing the conditions under which the sharks were observed and recorded. It explains the experimental setup, including the use of hydrophones, and the duration of the study. However, it lacks detailed information about the broader context of the research, such as potential conflicts of interest or funding sources. Additionally, while it hints at the study's limitations, it does not explicitly discuss them, which would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the findings.