Source: Nature: "The Secret World of Sharks and Rays"
Major corporate support for the Nature collection was provided by Canon U.S.A. and SC Johnson. Additional support was provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the nation’s public television stations.
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Not all sharks are lonely hunters of the deep. Many sharks interact with smaller fish in symbiotic relationships. In contrast to their bloodthirsty stereotype, it is not unusual to find species of sharks that enjoy the company of other fish. This video segment from Nature explains the different relationships that sharks have with other marine animals.
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Sharks and their biological cousins, the rays, are among the highest-profile denizens of the deep. But sharks are not the solitary killing machines that popular movies and the press might have us believe. In their marine environment, sharks coexist with numerous other species - many of whom flock to be near the sharks, rather than running from them in fear. In many of these cases, the interaction between two different species mutually benefits each species. But humans, too, have become an increasingly important player in the lives of sharks - and as they are increasingly hunted for their fins, sharks are actually becoming more endangered than they are dangerous. The impact on the marine ecosystem that would result from the disappearance of sharks would be devastating, but there is still time to save these magnificent creatures, and the ecosystems that depend on their existence.
This shark is not a lonely hunter. A Jack intentionally swims alongside it, using the shark as a moving blind for its daytime attacks.
In fact, smaller fish often accompany sharks on their travels. (pause) Fish, like these Mackerel, bump against the shark's sand papery skin to rid themselves of loose scales and parasites.
If that wasn't enough, Sharks and Rays have fish living on them, like this Sharksucker fish. Its dorsal fin works like a suction cup so it can bum a free ride.
In contrast to their reputations, certain sharks actually seek out social interaction. These Scalloped Hanunerheads look for company in Barberfish. Instead of fleeing, Barberfish rush to greet the intimidating sharks.
The smaller fish help rid the Hanunerheads of parasites. It's a nice exchange- one gets an easy meal- and the other gets groomed.
Their relationship challenges the stereotype that sharks are mindless killers.
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