Orientation and locomotor behavior of two species of shark in response to differing levels of water flow

Abstract

Behavioral criteria, involving locomotor activity, were used to analyze the response of two species of shark, (Negaprion brevirosteris and Ginglymostoma cirratum), with respect to decreasing flow rates. Behavior was monitored continuously under both uniform and varying water flow conditions through the use of photoelectric circuitry. Analysis of data under control conditions showed species differences in activity, while experimental conditions showed species specific responses to flow rates as low as 0.1cm /s. Although sensory systems are discussed, this work does not explore the method of perception, but rather, the capability of deriving orienting information from low levels of water flow.