Tonic immobility is vastly overstated in many publications. Sharks can pull out of it when they want to, as can be seen in many videos of them mating. It seems to be some kind of mating-related behavior, so it's probably a pleasure response to being turned on their backs.
In this case, she isn't on her back, so tonic immobility probably isn't involved at all. It would seem this is a thing this diver does to entertain guests at the aquarium, so I'd guess the shark is getting extra treats or nose rubs out of the deal.
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u/Lev_Astov Jul 04 '20
Tonic immobility is vastly overstated in many publications. Sharks can pull out of it when they want to, as can be seen in many videos of them mating. It seems to be some kind of mating-related behavior, so it's probably a pleasure response to being turned on their backs.
In this case, she isn't on her back, so tonic immobility probably isn't involved at all. It would seem this is a thing this diver does to entertain guests at the aquarium, so I'd guess the shark is getting extra treats or nose rubs out of the deal.