A recent study has discovered that rig sharks off the coast of New Zealand make distinct clicking sounds, believed to be a stress or warning signal. This challenges the previous belief that sharks are silent due to the lack of sound-producing organs.
Key Points
First-ever recordings of sharks making sounds
Sharks produce clicks by snapping their teeth together
Proposed to be a stress or warning signal
Observations made on juvenile rig sharks
Pros
Reveals new information about shark behavior and communication
Opens up avenues for further research on shark sounds
Cons
The exact purpose of the clicking sounds is still unknown
More research is needed to fully understand the significance of these sounds