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Related Experiment Videos

Shark skin: a function in feeding.

E J Southall1, D W Sims

  • 1Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, UK.

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|September 4, 2003
PubMed
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Sharks use their unique dermal denticles not just for protection, but also to anchor food. This novel scale-rasping behavior helps juvenile sharks tear food, potentially broadening their diet and enhancing growth.

Area of Science:

  • Ichthyology
  • Functional morphology
  • Animal behavior

Background:

  • Dermal denticles are tooth-like structures covering shark and ray skin.
  • These structures offer protection against predators and parasites, reduce drag, and minimize abrasion.
  • The full functional repertoire of dermal denticles in shark feeding ecology remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate a potential novel function of dermal denticles in the feeding behavior of juvenile sharks.
  • To describe and analyze the scale-rasping behavior observed in lesser spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula).
  • To assess the ecological implications of this feeding strategy for juvenile sharks.

Main Methods:

  • Observation of feeding behavior in juvenile lesser spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of the use of dermal denticles for manipulating food items.
  • Description of the scale-rasping technique involving jaw and head movements.

    • Main Results:

    • Juvenile lesser spotted dogfish utilize dermal denticles to anchor food items near their tail.
    • A novel 'scale-rasping' behavior was identified, where sharks use their skin to secure food for tearing.
    • This behavior facilitates the detachment of bite-sized pieces from larger food items.

    Conclusions:

    • Dermal denticles play a previously unrecognized role in the feeding ecology of juvenile sharks.
    • Scale-rasping behavior may enhance dietary breadth and growth potential in young sharks.
    • This finding highlights the diverse functional adaptations of shark skin beyond protection and hydrodynamics.