Biomimetics: the shark has inspired the creation of some innovative technologies. Its skin has been used as a model for creating antibacterial, hydro/aerodynamic and antifouling clothing; its fins have helped to improve the stability of airplanes thanks to “sharklets” and the shape of its tail has served as inspiration for tidal steam generators.
Sandbar sharks make seasonal migrations. They also segregate themselves by sex and by age, especially when they are grouped together in schools during these migrations.
They need to swim constantly to have enough oxygen.
The sandbar shark is the most widely consumed sharks in the world, both for its fins and meat, and for its skin and oil. It is also used in Chinese medicine.
In October 2008, with the help of a vet specialising in sharks, NAUSICAA achieved a world first – a surgical operation on one of its sandbar sharks.
The sandbar shark is viviparous, giving birth to live young. Breeding takes place in spring and summer. The young are more than 55 cm long at birth. Litters can contain between 1 and 16 pups.
Crédits photo du bandeau : © D. Mallevoy
Crédits photo de la galerie : © P.Bincteux / © J. Leroy
