Overview
- Peer-reviewed findings published March 16 in Animal Behaviour show bull sharks consistently choose specific partners rather than mixing at random.
- Researchers tracked 184 individually identified sharks over six years, recording close-proximity associations and fine-scale behaviors such as parallel swimming and lead–follow.
- Adults formed the core of the social network, while sub-adults and advanced adults were generally less connected.
- Both sexes preferentially associated with females, males held more social connections on average, and sharks tended to interact with similar-sized partners.
- Scientists say understanding these structured networks can inform protection of aggregation sites, and Fiji Shark Lab is collaborating with the Ministry of Fisheries on conservation planning.