Can Sharks Swim Upside down?

Sharks cannot swim upside down. In fact, when flipped upside down, they enter a state called tonic immobility, a type of paralysis that some animals go into when threatened. Sharks remain in a state of tonic immobility for about 15 minutes before they can recover. Some predators, such as orca whales, take advantage of this fact and will flip sharks over when hunting them. Some sharks go into tonic immobility more easily than others; for instance, tiger sharks seem to be more responsive than great whites.

More facts about sharks and immobility:

• Sharks aren't the only animals to go into tonic immobility. Beetles go into a tonic state as well, and it is said that you can put a chicken into a state of tonic immobility by placing its head to the ground and drawing a line back and forth outward from its beak.


• Sharks can lose as many as 30,000 teeth during their lifetime, and a shark's liver can make up about 30 percent of its body mass.


• Both lizards and crocodiles "shut down" when flipped on their backs. In lizards, this is because the position makes it hard for them to get oxygen, so they go into a trance-like state to conserve energy. In crocodiles, it's more of a panic response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sharks swim upside down?

Yes, sharks can swim upside down, a behavior known as tonic immobility. This is a temporary state of inactivity that sharks enter when flipped over, which can last for up to 15 minutes. It's often used by researchers to handle sharks safely during studies, as it appears to be a natural form of paralysis.

What triggers tonic immobility in sharks?

Tonic immobility in sharks is usually triggered by physical manipulation, such as being turned over onto their backs. This can occur naturally during mating when males flip females over, or artificially when humans are tagging or examining sharks. The exact physiological mechanisms behind this response are not fully understood.

Do all shark species exhibit tonic immobility?

Not all shark species are known to exhibit tonic immobility. However, it has been observed in several species, including the great white shark, lemon shark, and reef sharks. The response varies among species and individuals, with some entering the state more readily than others.

Is tonic immobility harmful to sharks?

Tonic immobility itself is not harmful to sharks and is a natural response. However, the stress associated with the handling that induces tonic immobility can be harmful if not managed properly. Researchers take care to minimize stress and ensure the safety of sharks during such procedures.

How do sharks breathe while in tonic immobility?

Sharks breathe by passing water over their gills, and many species need to keep moving to ensure this flow. However, during tonic immobility, some sharks can actively pump water over their gills, while others may rely on the water movement from the environment, such as waves or currents, to assist in respiration.

Can tonic immobility be used as a defense mechanism by sharks?

Tonic immobility is not typically used as a defense mechanism by sharks. Instead, it's more of a vulnerability, as the shark is temporarily immobilized and could be at risk from predators. In nature, it's more commonly associated with mating behaviors or accidental encounters with other marine life.