Social Behavior of the great white shark

Some of the white's swimming modes, such as a cautiously timed turn away between two animals on reciprocal approaching courses, are interpreted as ensuring avoidance of conspecifics and maintenance of individual space. A parallel swim mode, whereby two sharks heading in the same direction at an unfluctuating distance from each other, also seems to be a result of the shark preserving its space from others. When two white sharks attempt to feed on the same prey, it is disadvantageous for one to discourage the other from further feeding by biting it and inflicting a wound. Such an injury might reduce either shark's future ability to catch prey. For this reason, scientists believe that white sharks sometimes use displays in order to discourage other sharks. White sharks have been observed with their caudal fin out of the water and slapping the surface, propelling water usually in the direction of a second shark. The recipient shark probably perceives the sign with its vision, lateral line (related with mechanical stimulation), and sense of hearing. This behavior is called a "tail slap" and is the most common avoidance display shown by white sharks. These sharks also present other types of displays. White sharks have been observed rolling on their sides and directing exaggerated tail beats in one direction, a phenomenon know as "tilting behavior". Sometimes a white shark will position itself between prey and another shark, preventing the second shark from feeding. White sharks have also been known to propel two-thirds of their body out of the water and land flat against the surface, causing a large splash. This behavior is called a "pattern breach" and may represent a similar, but more intense sign than the tail slap. This specific behavior might also be used to help remove external parasites, attract a mate during courtship or may be the result of a vertical charge approach pattern toward a prey item.