Sharks of the same species can have different personalities- An interesting study

A new study by E. E. Byrnes and C. Brown has come out with the finding that Sharks have individual personalities.

The authors write “The study examined interindividual personality differences between Port Jackson sharks Heterodontus portusjacksoni, utilizing a standard boldness assay. The correlation between differences in individual boldness and stress reactivity was also examined, exploring indications of individual coping styles. Heterodontus portusjacksoni demonstrated highly repeatable individual differences in boldness and stress reactivity. Individual boldness scores were highly repeatable across four trials such that individuals that were the fastest to emerge in the first trial were also the fastest to emerge in subsequent trials. Additionally, individuals that were the most reactive to a handling stressor in the first trial were also the most reactive in a second trial. The strong link between boldness and stress response commonly found in teleosts was also evident in this study, providing evidence of proactive-reactive coping styles in H. portusjacksoni. These results demonstrate the presence of individual personality differences in sharks for the first time. Understanding how personality influences variation in elasmobranch behaviour such as prey choice, habitat use and activity levels is critical to better managing these top predators which play important ecological roles in marine ecosystems.”

Details appear in the latest issue of journal Journal of Fish Biology