Why are the 'fierce' sharks of the sea afraid when faced with gentle dolphins?

To most of us, dolphins are gentle animals. However, in reality dolphins can be extremely aggressive if in danger, especially when swimming in groups.

So if a shark encounters a school of dolphins, it will be easily defeated. In addition, due to the physical characteristics of the two species, in a one-on-one fight, sharks are no match for dolphins.

Dolphins easily move quickly and flexibly thanks to their vertically oriented hind fins along with soft skin and flexible joints. Dolphins can swim faster than most sharks. Sharks have horizontally oriented fins, so they are less flexible than dolphins.

Dolphins have very hard, strong and thick snouts. When within a few meters of a shark, the dolphin will rush forward and pierce its snout into the shark's soft belly at the fastest speed. This collision can cause serious internal injuries to the shark, even causing death.

Sharks are solitary hunters, while dolphins move in groups. When one dolphin in the group is in danger, the remaining dolphins will rush out to protect it.

The orca is the largest member of the dolphin family. When food is scarce, they also hunt great white sharks. Using their powerful tail fins, the orca will flip the shark onto its back, immobilizing it and then enjoying its meal.

There are still some cases where sharks are so hungry or food is scarce, they can attack stray dolphins.

Micah Soto

Update 27 June 2024