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While the shark is moving, water passes through the mouth and over the gills in a process known as "ram ventilation". [2] While at rest, most sharks pump water over their gills to ensure a constant supply of oxygenated water. A small number of species have lost the ability to pump water through their gills and must swim without rest.
Spiracle of a bluespotted ribbontail ray, Taeniura lymma. Spiracles (/ ˈ s p ɪr ə k əl, ˈ s p aɪ-/ [1] [2]) are openings on the surface of some animals, which usually lead to respiratory systems. Spiracle of a shark (bighead spurdog, Squalus bucephalus) The spiracle is a small hole behind each eye that opens to the mouth in some fish.
Most sharks rely on ram ventilation, forcing water into the mouth and over the gills by rapidly swimming forward. In slow-moving or bottom dwelling species, especially among skates and rays, the spiracle may be enlarged, and the fish breathes by sucking water through this opening, instead of through the mouth. [6]
Sedentary, bottom-dwelling sharks generally use buccal pumping to move water over to their gills compared to more active sharks, who will use ram ventilation and swim to force water to their mouth and gills. Most sharks can switch between these mechanisms as the situation requires depending on the abundance of oxygen in the water.
Most sharks rely on ram ventilation, forcing water into the mouth and over the gills by rapidly swimming forward. In slow-moving or bottom-dwelling species, especially among skates and rays, the spiracle may be enlarged, and the fish breathes by sucking water through this opening, instead of through the mouth. [9]
George Burgess, former director of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s shark program, told the AP it appeared to be a juvenile bull that was swept toward land with the inclement weather.
The snout is slender and pointed and the wide mouth, often covered with a fleshy nasal flap, is on the underside of the head. The eyes and well-developed spiracles are located on the top of the head. In most species, the spiracles are large and are the main means of drawing water in for respiration.
Spoiler alert! We're discussing plot points of 'Gladiator II' (in theaters now), so if you haven't seen it yet, retreat. Pack up your dusty sandals and brutal weapons, folks.