Specialised features of Sharks - Colouration
Sharks are the apex predator in our oceans. To be a successful predator, they must be able to blend in with their environment to make it difficult for prey to detect them.
Thus increasing their chances of a successful catch.
Sharks are the apex predator in our oceans. To be a successful predator, they must be able to blend in with their environment to make it difficult for prey to detect them.
Thus increasing their chances of a successful catch.
One of the most common types of colouration found among sharks is called “countershading”.
This is where the dorsal (upper) surface of the body is a darker colour than the ventral (underside).
The idea is that prey looking down on a shark will see only the darker dorsal side - which blends in with the dark depths of the ocean.
Prey that may be underneath them, looking upwards, will only see the lighter ventral side which blends in with the bright surface of the ocean.
This is where the dorsal (upper) surface of the body is a darker colour than the ventral (underside).
The idea is that prey looking down on a shark will see only the darker dorsal side - which blends in with the dark depths of the ocean.
Prey that may be underneath them, looking upwards, will only see the lighter ventral side which blends in with the bright surface of the ocean.
Either way - this type of colouration makes a predator very difficult to see.
It’s not just sharks that employ this technique, other predators including dolphins, whales and larger pelagic fish also use countershading.
It’s even a great strategy for potential prey such as penguins, fish and stingrays to try and hide from predators.
It’s not just sharks that employ this technique, other predators including dolphins, whales and larger pelagic fish also use countershading.
It’s even a great strategy for potential prey such as penguins, fish and stingrays to try and hide from predators.
Some species use the tried and true method of camouflage - their colour patterns mimicking their surrounding environment. Some great examples include Tiger sharks and Wobbegongs.
The Tiger sharks patterns resemble the ripples made by sunlight streaming through water, so they can be very difficult to see in shallow waters where the sunlight creates the same patterns on the sea floor.
Wobbegongs have ornate patterns and colours, and some species have special tasselled lobes of skin around their edges to further help blend in. They can even change their colour slowly over several days to blend in with new environments.
The Tiger sharks patterns resemble the ripples made by sunlight streaming through water, so they can be very difficult to see in shallow waters where the sunlight creates the same patterns on the sea floor.
Wobbegongs have ornate patterns and colours, and some species have special tasselled lobes of skin around their edges to further help blend in. They can even change their colour slowly over several days to blend in with new environments.
Updated 2012
