Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Assessing the Influence of Personality on Sensitivity to Magnetic Fields in Zebrafish
Published on: March 18, 2019
Are Caribbean reef sharks, Carcharhinus perezi, able to perceive human body orientation?
1Shark Research Institute, Florida Office, 5970, Osprey Place, Pensacola, FL, 32504, USA, erichritter@att.net.
Abstract:
The present study examines the potential capability of Caribbean reef sharks to perceive human body orientation, as well as discussing the sharks' swimming patterns in a person's vicinity. A standardized video method was used to record the scenario of single SCUBA divers kneeling in the sand and the approach patterns of sharks, combined with a control group of two divers kneeling back-to-back. When approaching a single test-subject, significantly more sharks preferred to swim outside the person's field of vision. The results suggest that these sharks are able to identify human body orientation, but the mechanisms used and factors affecting nearest distance of approach remain unclear.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Special Senses
Channel Rhodopsins
Rhodopsins belong to the family of cell surface proteins called G-protein coupled receptors,...
Predator-Prey Interactions
Somatosensation
Perception
Bottom-up processing begins at the sensory level, where receptors detect external environmental stimuli. These could include the tactile sensation of...

