With summer in full swing, you probably have a few beach trips planned. Whether you’re a swimmer, surfer, or snorkeler, the threat of sharks may have crossed your mind at some point while exploring the ocean. Most of the time sharks are not nearly as bloodthirsty as the monster from Jaws, but if you’re worried, here are a few fun facts about sharks and magnets to keep in mind:
1. Sharks Can Detect Magnetic Fields
Sharks have special sensing organs called ampullae of Lorenzini that can detect electric and magnetic fields in water. This electroreceptor organ consists of a network of jelly-filled pores. Sharks have an extraordinary sensitivity to electric fields. When animals contract their muscles it produces an electric field. Sharks can detect the weak electric fields generated by muscle contractions and may use it to find prey. As a moving conductor, water induces an electric field when a magnetic field like Earth’s is present. So sharks can use their special sixth sense to detect magnetic fields as well.
2. Magnets Have Been Known to Repel Sharks
While the likelihood of being attacked by a shark is extremely low, some have tested magnets as a safe way to repel sharks in areas where people swim. Because sharks are so sensitive to electric fields and magnetic fields in water, some species will swim away from magnets even if they’re attached to raw meat. Other tests show sharks that are not affected by magnets so overall the research on magnets as shark repellents is inconclusive.
3. Sharks Can Navigate Using Earth’s Magnetic Field
Sharks don’t just randomly swim around hoping to come across prey. They can follow Earth’s magnetic field and use it to navigate. Studies have proven that sharks can detect magnetic fields in water and use them to locate prey in the ocean.
4. Lemon Sharks Attract Prey with a Magnetic Sensor
Lemon sharks, named for their yellowish coloring, have a magnetic sensor in their noses. With this special magnetic sensor they can attract prey and even find other lemon sharks to mate with. The magnetic sensors in their noses help them make up for their poor vision. Do you know any fun facts about animals and magnets?
