Usually when we think of sharks, we think of lone predators skulking through the ocean’s depths. The shark from Jaws, for example, didn’t bring along any buddies for his coastal buffet. But some shark species do move in packs. And a new special from National Geographic, Shark Gangs, explores how they like to “hang out” together.
Shark Gangs is an hour-long special premiering as a part of National Geographic’s SharkFest 2021. For those unfamiliar, SharkFest is Nat Geo’s six week long series of programming highlighting “the captivating science and stunning cinematic visuals” of sharks. This year’s SharkFest is already underway, and began with a different special featuring Chris Hemsworth. (And for those wondering, no, SharkFest is not the same thing as Shark Week.)
In the Shark Gangs clip above, scientists interact and feed a group of great hammerheads—ones they named after Greek Gods and Goddesses. The scientists show how the hammerheads—including Amphitrite, Scylla, Tethys, and Gaia—move around each other in the same vicinity. The giant sharks (one of whom the scientists estimate at up to 14 feet long) look absolutely dastardly with their razor-sharp teeth and weird eyes. Although kind of cute as well. In a “I’m going to nibble on your head like it’s a lollipop” kind of way.
National Geographic
While the exact dynamic amongst the hammerheads in the clip isn’t clear, we think it’s fair to call the group a gang. They certainly intimidate their competitors, including nurse sharks and bull sharks, quickly establishing their dominance in the inter-species hierarchy. They don’t appear to hang out in any underwater alleyways, nor do they have any hair (or even any cilia!) to slick back cooly.
People “chomping” at the bit to watch Shark Gangs can catch it tonight at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. This year’s SharkFest will also continue on through the next five plus weeks, and, for cord-cutters, will begin streaming on July 9 on Disney+.
National Geographic
Featured Image: National Geographic
