Editor’s Note: We’ve added a section to this article since publication, based on viewer feedback: Because You Asked: Why Smaller Fish Swim with Sharks
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — In the University of South Alabama’s “first documented sighting” off the coast of Alabama, researchers have found Miss Pawla, a juvenile great white shark.
Researchers from the University of South Alabama recorded the first sighting of Miss Pawla while monitoring the state’s artificial reef zone.
Researchers who captured the video (seen above) say Miss Pawla is about 8 feet long. Based on her size, experts think she is around 15 years old.
The video was first captured in mid-April, according to researchers. 10 days later, they say, Miss Pawla was still roaming around in the same site, but she left on Friday, May 3.
About Great White Sharks
Great White Sharks are known as the world’s largest known predators, according to the World Wildlife Foundation.
The release notes that they “can be identified by their unique scarring pattern on their body, particularly their head and fins, and are usually named so scientists can track their movements.”
The foundation further explains that Great White Sharks feed on various prey from small fish to large seals and dolphins.
They do not typically pose a danger to humans though the Florida Museum of Natural History says in 2023 there were 69 unprovoked bites on humans and 22 provoked bites.
Experts say that in the U.S. they are common in cooler waters off New England and California.
Dr. Sean Powers, director of USA’s Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, noted that the sighting of Miss Pawla was very rare, noting that she was spotted in approximately 150 feet of water and is the first known sighting in that area.
“We have surveyed over 1,000 artificial and natural reef areas over the last 10 years, providing scientific data to assist the State of Alabama in managing its offshore fisheries,” said Powers. “This is our first documented sighting of a white shark.”
Because You Asked: Why Smaller Fish Swim with Sharks
Many News 5 viewers watched the video of this shark and expressed curiosity about the smaller fish seen swimming with Miss Pawla.
You asked why this happens, and we have the answer:
“Pilot fish (skinny ones) often swim with sharks and even attach themselves to the shark, cleaning it of parasites, etc.,” a University of South Alabama spokesperson said.
“Other fish will sometimes swim with sharks to possibly eat the scraps when they kill something. But also, they know other fish that might eat them won’t come near a shark.”
A USA spokesperson said viewers may notice that smaller fish swim behind the shark’s pectoral fins…behind their line of sight.
“They don’t swim right in front of his face, otherwise it might be a quick snack,” our USA contact said.
And there you have it!
Catching Sharks
With this sighting, researchers want anglers to know that white sharks are a federally prohibited species.
This means they “must be released alive if caught,” according to the release.