Stomach eversion and retraction by a tagged tiger shark at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

A tiger shark at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, demonstrated the rare ability to retract its everted stomach after being captured and released. This behavior was documented using video and tri-axial acceleration sensors, providing the first record of such retraction in the wild. The finding highlights the resilience of tiger sharks to stressful capture events, though further research is needed to confirm this trait in other shark species. The study employed tagging and sensor technology to overcome logistical challenges in observing post-release behaviors, offering new insights into shark physiology and recovery.

Andrzejaczek, S., Gleiss, A., Lear, K., McGregor, F., Chapple, T., & Meekan, M. (2024). Stomach eversion and retraction by a tagged tiger shark at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Fisheries Research, 269, 106875. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2023.106875