Uncover the Hidden Creature Within Nature’s Depths
Photo by Alex DeCiccio / Creative Commons
Watch the Video: Click here to view on YouTube
The Kavachi volcano, situated near the Solomon Islands in the southwestern Pacific, is an active underwater volcano that continuously erupts beneath the ocean’s surface. Underwater volcanoes, also known as submarine volcanoes, are discovered on the ocean floor. Scientists exploring the Kavachi volcano were astonished to find a plethora of marine life thriving in these extreme conditions.
Due to the presence of sharks swimming within the volcano’s caldera, researchers affectionately dubbed the Kavachi volcano the “Sharkcano.” Calderas, formed after a volcano erupts and collapses in on itself, are found within the volcano. The astonishing question arises: how can any creature, particularly large creatures like sharks, survive within one of the most explosive volcanoes on the planet? Continue reading to delve into the resilience of these sharks and their unique habitat.
Initial Misidentification
Initially, researchers mistook the shark captured on video for the elusive sleeper shark. Further examination revealed that the shark featured in the footage is actually a silky shark, scientifically known as Carcharhinus falciformis. Silky sharks can reach lengths of up to 10 feet and weigh over 700 pounds. They are commonly found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the South Pacific, but can also be spotted in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
While this revelation was not the groundbreaking discovery scientists anticipated, spotting sharks thriving in the volcanic environment sheds light on their capacity to adapt to rapid environmental changes. Apart from the silky shark, scientists documented scalloped hammerhead sharks, reef fish like damselfish and cardinalfish, and zooplankton.
Adaptation to Extreme Conditions
Scientists speculate that the only plausible explanation for the sharks’ survival in such tumultuous conditions is their remarkable ability to adapt. Although most silky sharks inhabit waters ranging from 75 to 86 degrees, they exhibit thermoregulation tendencies favoring warmer temperatures. Despite encountering water temperatures exceeding 100 degrees within the volcano, the silky shark seems to flourish in the caldera.
The acidic water resulting from ocean acidification, triggered by elevated CO2 levels, may affect some shark species’ olfactory capabilities. Nevertheless, the silky shark appears to have acclimatized to the unstable oxygen and CO2 concentrations in the acidic water. Researchers suggest that active submarine volcanoes can enrich surrounding waters with nutrients, promoting the overall health of the ecosystem and aiding marine life in adapting to swiftly changing conditions.
Choosing the Kavachi Volcano as Home
Studies reveal that silky sharks typically inhabit deepwater reefs and continental shelves, which aligns with the location of the Kavachi volcano near the Solomon Islands’ continental shelf. Additionally, the area boasts a diverse coral reef system, supporting the natural habitat of the silky shark.
The region is abundant in marine life, including bony fish like tuna, m
A predator, such as the silky shark, lurks near a diverse range of prey. You can view the video by clicking here to observe this predator in action. The post showcasing the shark living in a unique habitat called “Sharkcano,” which is an active underwater volcano, can be found on A-Z Animals.
