Traditional telemetry methods have been used to quantify the horizontal and
vertical displacement of marine species, but are unable to identify specific
physical activities such as swimming or gliding, resting, foraging, or
spawning. We tested the utility of an acceleration data logger to quantify
activity patterns of three captive whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) in an enclosed
lagoon using internal and external attachment methods. Data obtained using
both attachment methods allowed swimming and resting behavior to be
differentiated. All sharks showed constant swimming for 5–14 hours
post-tagging before adopting a pattern of daytime rest and nocturnal
activity throughout the 6–16 day deployments. Sharks showed a diel activity
pattern, spending 10–24% of their time swimming during the day, and
42–67% swimming at night. Overall, sharks
spent an average of 35 ± 11% (mean ± SD) of their time
swimming. Mean tailbeat frequency was found to be 0.89 ± 0.03 beats s−1 in one shark for which it was measured. Respirometry experiments
that measured the metabolic rate of two neonate whitetips showed
significantly higher metabolic rates at night compared to the day. When
taken in conjunction with the acceleration data, these results suggest that
whitetips are nocturnally active and show diel circadian rhythms shortly
after birth. Our study demonstrates that acceleration data loggers can be
used to quantify activity patterns and offer promise for quantifying energy
budgets of various reef sharks both in captivity and in the field.