Bull Sharks Exhibit Social Preferences in Fiji Study, Challenging Solitary Reputation

A six-year study published in Animal Behaviour reveals bull sharks at Fiji's Shark Reef Marine Reserve display selective social behaviors, forming preferred associations while avoiding others. Led by researcher Natasha Marosi from the University of Exeter, the research observed 184 sharks between 2018 and 2023, finding that adults form social networks, with males benefiting from connections to larger females. The findings contribute to understanding shark social complexity, which could inform conservation efforts for species facing multiple threats.