Drone observations reveal white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) dorsal fins are highly flexible and possible investigatory structures.

Abstract

Drones are becoming increasingly useful in their ability to observe wildlife. They have been especially useful in documenting marine animals such as sharks. Here we present novel aerial drone observations of a previously unknown dorsal-fin behaviour in white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). We found that white sharks might investigate surface objects by rotating their first dorsal fin on its axis towards the object. Our videos suggest that the dorsal fin in white sharks may have additional capabilities beyond being a stabilizing appendage.