How Long Can a Shark Live Out of Water?
As a child, I was fascinated by sharks. I would spend hours watching documentaries about them and reading books about their behavior. One of the things that always puzzled me was how long a shark could live out of water. After all, they were fish, and fish need water to survive. Or so I thought.
It turns out that sharks can’t breathe air like humans. They breathe through gills, which extract oxygen from the water. When a shark is out of water, its gills collapse, and it can’t get the oxygen it needs. As a result, sharks can only survive out of water for a short period of time.
How Long Can a Shark Live Out of Water?
The amount of time a shark can live out of water depends on several factors, including the species of shark, the size of the shark, and the temperature of the water. Smaller sharks tend to die more quickly than larger sharks, and sharks in warm water can survive longer than sharks in cold water.
In general, most sharks can only survive out of water for a few minutes. However, some species, such as the bull shark, can survive for up to an hour. Bull sharks are found in warm, shallow waters, and they have a special adaptation that allows them to breathe air for short periods of time.
What Happens to a Shark Out of Water?
When a shark is out of water, its gills collapse, and it can’t get the oxygen it needs to survive. The shark’s body begins to shut down, and its organs start to fail. The shark’s brain is particularly sensitive to oxygen deprivation, and it will die within minutes if it doesn’t get enough oxygen.
In addition to oxygen deprivation, sharks out of water are also at risk of dehydration. Their skin is not designed to retain water, and they can quickly dry out in the sun. Dehydration can lead to a number of health problems, including kidney failure and death.
Tips for Keeping a Shark Alive Out of Water
If you find a shark that is out of water, there are a few things you can do to try to keep it alive until help arrives. First, move the shark to a cool, shaded area. Wet the shark’s gills with water, and keep them moist. If possible, place the shark in a tub of water. Do not attempt to force water into the shark’s mouth, as this could damage its gills.
Once you have taken these steps, call a wildlife rehabilitator or aquarium. They will be able to provide the shark with the care it needs to survive.
FAQ
- How long can a shark live out of water?
Most sharks can only survive out of water for a few minutes, but some species can survive for up to an hour. - What happens to a shark out of water?
When a shark is out of water, its gills collapse, and it can’t get the oxygen it needs to survive. The shark’s body begins to shut down, and its organs start to fail. - What can I do to keep a shark alive out of water?
If you find a shark that is out of water, move it to a cool, shaded area. Wet the shark’s gills with water, and keep them moist. If possible, place the shark in a tub of water. Do not attempt to force water into the shark’s mouth, as this could damage its gills.
Conclusion
Sharks are fascinating creatures, but they are not designed to live out of water. If you ever find a shark that is out of water, please do what you can to help it survive until help arrives.
