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- Swordfish are apparently attacking sharks on a regular basis.
- Sharks were found dead with swordfish swords in the abdomen and head.
- Scientists have several theories as to why swordfish are stabbing sharks in the sea.
Earth’s oceans are filled with amazing creatures. Some of them are perfectly harmless, while others are equipped with weapons that they can use during offensive or defensive encounters. Sharks are apex predators and, as such, tend to be the aggressors in most alterations they are in, but a new trend is beginning to emerge that suggests that sharks would do well to stay away from a marine creature in particular: swordfish.
Such as The New York Times Reports, a dead thresher shark measuring around 15 feet in length was recently discovered dead on a beach in Libya. The creature certainly did not die of natural causes, as an investigation revealed that the shark had a piece of swordfish embedded in its abdomen. It is not the first shark to die under similar circumstances and it probably won’t be the last.
Over half a dozen sharks have been found dead on the shores of the Mediterranean, all with evidence of conflict with a swordfish. In any case, the shark was killed by a swordfish stab. Unlike the fate suffered by the thresher shark, most sharks found with swordfish wounds were stabbed in or near the head.
It is a rather remarkable finding, especially in the face of a scientific consensus that swordfish does not normally use the sword to attack animals such as sharks. In fact, the researchers weren’t at all sure whether the fish used their long sword-like snouts to pierce other animals. The fish were thought to mainly use the sword to strike prey, slowing them down and giving the swordfish the opportunity to grab them with its mouth.
Now, it seems, the idea of fish using their built-in weapon like a real spear is gaining some traction. But why should swordfish attack sharks, which are not their prey, and turn the food chain upside down? Some scientists have a pretty good idea.
The researchers note that sharks that are stabbed are traditional the same species that tend to feed on young swordfish, suggesting that larger adult fish are stabbing and killing sharks as a defense for their young. It’s also possible that swordfish are engaging with sharks to expand their territory and ensure that an abundant supply of food remains available for them and their relatives. With one less predator running around, it means more food for the swordfish.
In any case, there have been enough observations of this behavior to suggest that this is not a fluke, and there is indeed a reason behind the swordfish attacks on the shark. Now it’s just a matter of understanding exactly what it is.
Mike Wehner has been reporting on technology and video games for the past decade, covering the latest news and trends in VR, wearables, smartphones, and the technology of the future. Most recently, Mike worked as a Tech Editor at The Daily Dot and appeared on USA Today, Time.com, and countless other websites and print media. His love of the news is second only to his addiction to games.
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