Sharks jump out of the water more often than you might think

An analysis of scientific evidence shows that sharks and rays jump for a variety of reasons, including courtship, birthing and hygiene, suggesting that this behavior is more common than previously thought.

Boundary breaking has been reported in fast-swimming predatory sharks such as great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias), shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) and salmon sharks (Lamna ditropis), as well as filter-feeding basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) and many species of rays, including manta rays, devil rays and eagle rays.