The life of sharks remains largely mysterious due to their oceanic habitats, but researchers can glean insights from their scars and injuries. A recent study in Frontiers in Marine Science proposed a classification system for the scars on great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias), revealing that these markings provide valuable information about the sharks’ interactions, environment, prey, and human encounters.
Scott Anderson, a lead researcher from the California White Shark Project, explains that certain scars are distinctive enough to be categorized, such as bite marks from Cookiecutter sharks (Isistius brasiliensis). The project showcased a 16-foot female great white shark with a circular scar resembling a dolphin’s blowhole, indicative of a Cookiecutter shark bite.
Anderson highlights that these scars often indicate overlapping habitats, as great whites encounter Cookiecutter sharks during their "offshore phase." Other scar types can suggest boat strikes, defense wounds, or mating interactions, with female sharks sometimes bearing "light impressions" from mating bites by males. These observations provide clues about great white mating behaviors that remain uncertain.
To decode the scars, researchers must understand their origins. For instance, specific patterns indicate parasitic infections, while others suggest injuries from boat propellers or entanglement in fishing gear. The proposed systematic classification system aims to enhance scientific knowledge about great white sharks and their life experiences.
