Kitefin Sharks Use 491-Nanometer Glow to Hunt Prey, as Study Flags Signaling Role
Updated
Updated · ScienceAlert · Aug 7
Kitefin Sharks Use 491-Nanometer Glow to Hunt Prey, as Study Flags Signaling Role
2 articles · Updated · ScienceAlert · Aug 7
Summary
Eight live kitefin sharks examined off New Zealand showed bioluminescence spreading sideways from the nose, jaw and pectoral fins, pointing to a biological "searchlight" that could help detect prey on the seafloor.
The underside glow still matched classic camouflage: a bluish-green peak at 491 nanometers and brightness consistent with residual daylight at roughly 480 to 540 meters, within the shark's normal habitat.
That split function could suit a predator that swims just 13 centimeters per second yet feeds on faster, visually capable prey such as lanternsharks and cephalopods, relying on stealth rather than speed.
The dorsal fin complicated the camouflage theory further, glowing about 10 times dimmer than the belly but still 100 times brighter than ambient upwelling light, a pattern researchers say fits signaling or prey attraction better.
The team cautioned the ideas remain unconfirmed because the work relied on shipboard examinations of bycatch; wild observations are still needed to show how the sharks actually use the light.