A fascinating sighting has captured attention on the west coast of Florida, near Tampa, where a drone recorded two large sharks swimming calmly in the shallow waters.
The astonishing event, documented on Friday by local drone operator John Yanchoris, took place near Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands, in Pinellas County.
Aerial images, captured around 8 a.m. on June 6, showed the pair of sharks exploring the waters of St. Joseph Sound.
Initially, it was speculated that they could be caribbean reef sharks, a species commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico.
However, due to the difficulty of precise identification from above, the possibility that they are also abundant blacktip sharks in the region has also been considered.
Key differences between similar species
The confusion in identification is due to the close resemblance between the coral shark (or Caribbean reef shark) and the blacktip shark, both commonly found in the area.
The main distinction lies in its size.
Blacktip sharks typically measure between 1.2 and 1.5 meters in length and are recognized by the distinctive black markings on the tips of their fins.
Coral sharks (or Caribbean reef sharks), in contrast, can reach a significantly larger size, growing up to 2.7 meters (approximately nine feet).
John Yanchoris, the drone operator, mentioned that on that same day he had observed around 40 blacktip sharks, but he emphasized that the two specimens recorded in the video were "notably larger", which reinforces the theory that they were not blacktip sharks.
Behavior and perception of aggression
It is crucial to note that none of these species, whether Caribbean coralline/reef sharks or blacktip sharks, are considered aggressive towards humans.
However, it is well known that they can become dangerous when they feel scared or in the presence of food.
Their behavior in these situations can be unpredictable, reacting instinctively like predators.
The coral shark, in particular, is one of the most common shark species in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shark Sightings in Florida
What sharks were sighted near Tampa?
Two large sharks were spotted by a drone off the west coast of Florida, near Tampa. Although it was initially speculated that they could be coral sharks, the possibility of them being blacktip sharks was also considered due to the similarity between the two species.
What are the differences between the coral shark and the blacktip shark?
The main difference between the reef shark and the blacktip shark lies in their size. Blacktip sharks measure between 1.2 and 1.5 meters and have black markings on the tips of their fins, while reef sharks can reach up to 2.7 meters. Both are common in the Gulf of Mexico.
Are coral sharks and blacktip sharks dangerous to humans?
None of these species is considered aggressive towards humans under normal conditions. However, they can become dangerous if they feel threatened or if there is food present in the water. Their behavior can be unpredictable in such situations.
How was the shark sighting in Florida conducted?
The sighting was made using a drone operated by John Yanchoris. The captured images showed two sharks exploring the waters of St. Joseph Sound near Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands in Pinellas County, Florida.
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