Diver puts shark into a trance to stroke its nose and even balance it in the palm of his hand
By Sarah Griffiths From Daily Mail UK
Divers in the Bahamas have been photographed putting a Caribbean reef shark into a state of tonic immobility, which is like a trance
They claim to have done this by stroking the receptors on the shark’s nose, which causes it to stay still and relaxed for up to 15 minutes
Caribbean reef sharks can measure 10ft (three metres) long and have been known to occasionally attack humans
Sharks are not known for being particularly friendly towards humans.
But divers in the Bahamas have proved that with a little trickery and a lot of courage, they can balance a Caribbean reef shark vertically in the palm of their hands and even stroke the creatures’ noses.
The underwater explorers have been caught on camera stroking, touching and holding the animals, which can measure 10ft (three metres) long and have been known to occasionally attack humans.
PHOTO: Underwater magician: One diver in the Bahamas has proved that with a little trickery and a lot of courage, he can balance a Caribbean reef shark vertically in the palm of his hand and stroke its nose (pictured)
They are one of the largest apex predators in the reed system and usually feed on fish and cephalopods.
One of the divers appears to put a shark into a trance, known as a state of tonic immobility.
Tonic immobility is a natural state of paralysis which animals enter but scientists are not entirely sure why they do it.
Experts think ‘animal hypnosis’ is related to mating in sharks and is used by other creatures to avoid predators by ‘playing dead’ and blending in with surroundings.
It can be induced without causing any apparent stress to animals, such as stroking a certain place on a lobster’s shell.
Sharks can remain in a tonic state for up to 15 minutes. Some species are ‘hypnotised’ when they are turned upside down.
He claims to have done this my stroking the receptors on the shark’s nose.
The underwater explorer has been caught on camera stroking, touching and holding the animals, which can measure 20ft (three metres) long and have been known to occasionally attack humans. He wears metal gloves in case the shark tries to bite his fingers
The diver was able to gently hoist the shark vertically (pictured) as it rested in the palm of his hand, but as soon as he let go, the shark snapped out of its trance and swam away
Diver puts shark in a trance with the stroke of his hand
The diver was able to gently hoist the shark vertically as it rested in the palm of his hand, but as soon as he let go, the shark snapped out of its trance and swam away.
British underwater photographer Simon Enderby captured the amazing moment during a routine feeding dive off the coast of the Bahamas.
The divers wore mesh metal gloves and body suits to help protect against the shark’s teeth.
Shark handlers in the area (pictured) are said to frequently use the tonic immobility technique to pacify the predators for up to 15 minutes and impress tourists. It is not thought to harm the creatures in any way
It is not just Caribbean reef sharks (pictured) that can enter tonic states. Research has shown that vicious tiger sharks can be put in a ‘trance’ when gentle pressure is applied on either side of their snouts
Shark handlers in the area are said to frequently use the tonic immobility technique to pacify the predators for up to 15 minutes to impress tourists. It is not thought to harm the creatures in any way.
It is not just Caribbean reef sharks that can enter tonic states. Research has shown that vicious tiger sharks can be put in a ‘trance’ when gentle pressure is applied on either side of their snouts.
Some species are ‘hypnotised’ when turned upside down and when they are in a tonic state, their dorsal fins straighten and their breathing becomes more stead and relaxed.
Tonic immobility has been observed in a number of shark species and there is a great deal to learn about the benefit that the temporary trance-like state provides, Ali Hood, Director of Conservation at the Shark Trust told MailOnline.
‘The state of tonic immobility is used quite extensively as an aid to shark husbandry, or when handling sharks in the wild, limiting the chance of injury to both the shark and the handler. However, there is also some evidence of sharks being induced into such a state for the amusement of tourists.
‘The Shark Trust supports well managed ecotourism operations…Tourism ventures which work to engage and train local people and seek to develop a “live” value for sharks can make a real contribution to both conservation and the local economy.
‘However, questions should be raised as to just how invasive some “ecotourism” ventures have become if inducing tonic immobility has become part of the “show”. The Shark Trust does not encourage handling sharks in this manner,’ she added.
Some species are ‘hypnotised’ when turned upside down and when they are in a tonic state, their dorsal fins straighten and their breathing becomes more stead and relaxed. Here a diver is pictured with a Caribbean reef shark
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