Debate Begins - Do Sharks Sneeze?

offthewall1 · Jun 3, 2009

After much prodding from some of my friends and customers, I've decided to share what may be one of a kind footage with you all.

A recent student of mine looked up "sharks sneezing" on the internet and found a quote which read "Scientists believe sharks sneeze, but there is no documented evidence." It went on to say they believe they do this to flush their gills...

I'm no scientist, but I believe I have video footage of a shark sneezing. I'll let you be the judge.. I shot this footage in 2005 on a Dive Site known as Sharks Pass in Truk Lagoon (Chuuk, Micronesia.) It is of a Black Tip Reef Shark... I believe... sneezing...

Have a look...

http://www.scubaboard.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=128576&nocache=1

Garrobo · Jun 3, 2009

Thank you very much. I can now go to sleep at night , not having to ponder this question.

Hoomi · Jun 3, 2009

Well, I can't watch the video (no Quicktime on the work PC), but I think we should send this one to the Mythbusters guys to explore on their next "Shark Week" program.

Darcey · Jun 3, 2009

Hoomi:
Well, I can't watch the video (no Quicktime on the work PC), but I think we should send this one to the Mythbusters guys to explore on their next "Shark Week" program.

Yes. Inquiring divers want to know. :popcorn:

Dr Neil · Jun 3, 2009

Is it a sneeze or a snort?

And what about the other bodily functions?
Do sharks belch?
Do sharks fart?

So many unanswered questions.

diversteve · Jun 3, 2009

I have footage/stills of a Caribbean Reef shark doing something similar in Cay Sal a few years ago. If I can find it, I'll post it here.
Same movement though, looked like he was clearing his throat or gagging on something.

smellzlikefish · Jun 3, 2009

After working in a few aquariums, I have seen many sharks do this. I am pretty sure it is meant more to reset their jaws in place or maybe just stretch. They do it a lot after meals. Sharks don't have the equipment (lungs, diaphragm, etc.) to sneeze. What "scientists" are you referring to?

smellzlikefish · Jun 3, 2009

Dr. Neil-I don't know about belching or farting, but they can invert their spiral valve out of their cloaca and their stomach out of their mouth. This is believed to rid their digestive tract of unwanted food items (tires, license plates, etc.)

ScubaRich · Jun 3, 2009

smellzlikefish:
Dr. Neil-I don't know about belching or farting, but they can invert their spiral valve out of their cloaca and their stomach out of their mouth. This is believed to rid their digestive tract of unwanted food items (tires, license plates, etc.)

Mother nature does it again! Amazing! :sharkattack:

princessaprilia · Jun 3, 2009

Cool video, thanks.

I'd have to say it's not a sneeze, but it looks cool anyway.

Debate Begins - Do Sharks Sneeze?

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offthewall1

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Garrobo

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Hoomi

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Darcey

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Dr Neil

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diversteve

always tired

smellzlikefish

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smellzlikefish

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ScubaRich

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princessaprilia

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