A group of sharks is most commonly called a “Shiver,” but sharks actually have several intriguing collective nouns depending on their behavior.
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Shark Group Names
Sharks exhibit complex social structures, with different species forming groups in various ways:
- Shiver – Most common term for a shark group, evoking their cold-blooded nature.
- School – Used when sharks are gathered loosely together while swimming.
- Frenzy – Describes sharks in active feeding mode, thrashing prey.
- Herd – Appropriate for sharks gathered in large numbers, like at feeding or breeding sites.
- Gam – Specifies a group of mature female sharks, like mother hammerheads.
- Shoal – When sharks are clustered closely together, cruising as a unit.
Shark Social Behavior
Sharks aren’t the lone wolves of the sea that many assume. Their social habits range widely:
- Some shark species form complex social groups and hierarchies. For example, lemon sharks develop sophisticated social networks in their nursery grounds.
- Other sharks are more solitary by nature but may gather in large numbers around resources like food and mates. Bull sharks are an example.
- A few shark species even hunt cooperatively, like gray reef sharks that corner prey together.
- Hammerhead sharks exhibit extensive schooling behavior, especially as juveniles seeking safety from predators.
So what is the right name for a group of sharks? It depends on what the sharks are up to! But “shiver” nicely captures their shared cold-blooded killer instincts.
