reef shark(photo) @ carysfort

reefman · Oct 1, 2009

observed this resting or sleeping carribean reef shark(2 sharks initially, one departing quickly and the other lying around for nearly 15 minutes)(i believe the smaller fish are juvenille glassy sweepers)(neon gobies were also seen further back on the shark but were unable to be photographed without disturbing the animal) while diving sunday under a ledge @ south carysfort reef in 74ft(the shark was orientated headfirst into a slight to mdt reverse current). this is the fourth time iv'e observed pelagic reef sharks lying on the sand beneath this coral outcrop in the past 3 months or so. my question is; has anyone else on this board observed such behavior?? the photo was provided by my dive buddy tim,,,,,,,,

reefman
key largo

stinggirl · Oct 1, 2009

Wow. I don't it wanted to be photographed. :rofl3:

fisheyeview · Oct 1, 2009

I have seen this behavior before. If the current is strong enough to provide water flow over the gills they will find a spot to rest. Although it is more prevelant in other species like sand tigers & white tips.

Dr. Doug Ebersole · Oct 2, 2009

It's very common up in Jupiter. Here's a couple of similar shots.

And here is professional underwater photographer Walt Stearns going for the shot:

Chugwhump · Oct 2, 2009

COOL!
Thanks for posting the pics.
They are wonderful.
Chug

Orlando Eric · Oct 3, 2009

I saw this today as a matter of fact. about 40 minutes into the Tunnels drop off JDC. Guy was hanging out there without a care in the world, unmoving. Was an experience to remember.

Amazz · Oct 4, 2009

I'd bet the ranch those pics debersole posted were at Tunnels. I call those my little special needs sharks because they just lie there not matter how close you get. My husband shot a fish there and they woke up for a free meal. When they decided there would be no handouts they went back under the ledge and rested again. They do not need current to do this. They will pump water into their gills. Here is a video I took near Hole in the Wall, Jupiter. This Sandbar Shark was resting at 132 ft. You can see the gills moving. Excuse the quality, I'm not a videographer and it's a point and shoot camera.

YouTube - sleeping sandbar shark in Jupiter

sportxlh · Oct 4, 2009

debersole and reefman: great pictures thanks for posting.

sportxlh · Oct 4, 2009

Amazz:
I'd bet the ranch those pics debersole posted were at Tunnels. I call those my little special needs sharks because they just lie there not matter how close you get. My husband shot a fish there and they woke up for a free meal. When they decided there would be no handouts they went back under the ledge and rested again. They do not need current to do this. They will pump water into their gills. Here is a video I took near Hole in the Wall, Jupiter. This Sandbar Shark was resting at 132 ft. You can see the gills moving. Excuse the quality, I'm not a videographer and it's a point and shoot camera.

YouTube - sleeping sandbar shark in Jupiter

that is an interesting video, the shark is exposed rather than being under a ledge

reef shark(photo) @ carysfort

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