Wednesday 19 October 2011

Shark charmer Cristina Zenato can hold ten-foot fish vertically in her hand

Ms Zenato is a shark charmer, capable of holding a ten-foot Caribbean Reef shark vertically in the palm of her hand.

The expert, who has been diving with sharks for 15 years, induces 'tonic immobility', an anti-predator behaviour displayed by certain sharks.

When sensing danger, the fish enters into a state of paralysis for up to 15 minutes, so as to appear dead.

However, Ms Zenato can induce this state in the Caribbean Reef shark by carefully rubbing the ampullae of Lorenzini - the name given to hundreds of jelly-filled pores around the animal's nose and mouth.

For many, just being able to touch the shark's head without losing an arm would be enough.

Ms Zenato's remarkable underwater act was captured by 42-year-old San Diego resident Matthew Meier, who said the experience was 'amazing'.

He continued: 'I expected an adrenaline rush, but the dive was so peaceful and calm.

'It was totally relaxing to watch the sharks swim slow circles around us in hopes of being fed by Cristina. I was in awe and could not keep the smile off my face.

'Sharks are the apex predator of the ocean and it is a privilege to be near them and observe them in their world.


Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/878845-shark-charmer-can-hold-ten-foot-fish-vertically-in-her-hand#ixzz1bE8fietC

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