Work

Novel observations of an oceanic whitetip (Carcharhinus longimanus) and tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) scavenging event

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Oceanic whitetip sharks, Carcharhinus longimanus, are known to be common scavengers; however, observations of C. longimanus scavenging events are extremely rare due to their classification as an oceanic pelagic species, typically solitary in nature. On April 9, 2024, over 8.5 h, at least nine C. longimanus were observed scavenging from a heavily degraded carcass off the coast of Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i, USA. Five tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) were also observed scavenging on the same carcass. Simultaneous feeding within and between species occurred; however, no agonistic or aggressive interactions were observed. Although a small snapshot, this stochastic event sheds new light on trophic relationships and social interactions among aquatic apex predators that do not normally overlap in space and time.

Source: Frontiers in Fish Science

DOI: 10.3389/frish.2025.1520995

Authors: Molly Scott, Olivia Miller, Devon Stapleton, Kayleigh Grant

Institutions: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawai'i Division of Aquatic Resources

Language: English

Topic: Ichthyology and Marine Biology

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353