#elasmobranch

YES, SHARKS MAKE SOUNDS, AND WE'VE JUST HEARD ONE

Yes, that sound you’re hearing, a sharp, rapid click, is actually made by a shark. For the first time ever, scientists have recorded sharks producing sounds, challenging the long-held belief that these ocean predators are completely silent. The surprising discovery came during routine behavioural experiments in New Zealand, when researchers noticed that Spotted Estuary Smooth-Hound Mustelus lenticulatus, emitted loud, distinctive clicks when handled underwater. These sounds, likely defensive or stress-related, were consistent across multiple individuals and even reached volumes comparable to a shotgun blast.

- Spotted Estuary Smooth-Hound at Wellington, New Zealand. Photo by Luca Davenport-Thomas

The researchers believe the noise may come from the sharks snapping their flat, plate-like teeth, a trait adapted for crushing crabs and other hard-shelled prey. Though the exact mechanism remains unconfirmed, and it’s still unclear whether these clicks are intentional or simply a reflex, the finding opens new questions about acoustic behaviour in sharks. Similar clicking has been observed in rays and mantas, hinting that this might not be such a rare trait after all. So yes, that’s the sound a shark makes, and it might just be their version of “back off.”