Diana Butsch

Date of Award

2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Gardiner, Jayne

Area of Concentration

Marine Biology

Abstract

This study investigated the feeding kinematics and prey capture modulation of 3 adult sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus). High-speed footage was shot as the sharks were fed a diet of capelin, herring, and squid. The sandbar shark was confirmed to be a primarily ram feeder, like other requiem sharks. The order of kinematic events during the expansive and compressive phases was consistent with most sharks, but with a lack of cranial elevation. Each successful prey capture was categorized as either an engulfment (feeding event ends with prey fully inside the mouth) or bite (feeding event ends with prey held in the teeth). Analysis revealed significant differences (p <0.5) in RSI, the distance traveled by the prey, and capture time. This showed that the sharks were using more suction during an engulfment than during a bite. There was evidence of modulation of capture based on prey type, capelin or herring. RSI, capture time, distance moved by the predator, and time to peak gape were found to be significant. The sharks used more suction on the long slender capelin than the shorter thicker bodied herring. This modulation could be a result of the size of the prey or just the type of prey.

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