Silky Shark Species Can Have Rapid Healing Abilities Despite Dorsal Fin Being Injured

The latest discoveries reveal the spectacular healing abilities of silky shark species after the dorsal fin is damaged or wounded. Sharks are known for their rapid evolution, from their teeth to limbs, being top predators, and managing to adapt to challenging habitats and environments.

Sharks are one of the most terrifying predators undersea, with actually no bones. Their good eyesight helps them locate and catch potential prey at amazing speed. The animal has been in the ocean for about 455 million years, making them a dominant predator.

Despite their formidable appearance and size, sharks are also threatened. Recent reports found the growth of the shark population due to the following threats:

• Overfishing
• Demand for shark fin
• Climate Change
• Pollution
• Bycatch and commercial fishing gear entanglement
• Hunting

Silky Shark Species Healed Dorsal Fin

Commercial fishing can damage sharks undersea. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) warned of threatened shark species due to bycatch, which makes them vulnerable to injuries or death.

When sharks are injured, they could likely starve or die from starvation, especially when they suffer from entanglement. However, sharks have managed to adapt to changing and challenging environments.

Marine animals, including their teeth and limbs, can have rapid regeneration abilities. It has helped the species to survive amidst different pressing threats.

The latest report documented the silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis). The shark species has a shorter dorsal fin, known as the net-eat shark that loves fish and tuna. However, it is vulnerable to overfishing and bycatch.

The study found the first case of the silky shark's dorsal fin regeneration. The help of satellite tags in Florida gave new insight into the said shark species' rapid healing abilities. The shark suffered from injuries that caused the 20.8% loss of its dorsal fin.

The silky shark was documented 332 days after the researcher found the said injury. When the shark was located, the injured dorsal find healed quickly by up to 87%.

Florida Sharks

The findings were published in the Journal of Marine Sciences. Chelsea Black focused on monitoring the mobile shark species, including the silky shark in Jupiter, Florida. Chelsea is also a candidate for a Ph.D. at the University of Miami, studying Marine Ecosystems and Society.

Furthermore, the discovery will offer new knowledge about the wound generation of sharks, especially the animals that are difficult to monitor.

The silky shark is also protected in Florida, and people are not allowed to harvest it. Researchers are still studying the migration routes or patterns of the silky sharks.

Recent reports added that the silky sharks can be found in the Atlantic and Pacific, including Massachusetts.

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