Data from: Depth dependent dive kinematics suggest cost-efficient foraging strategies by tiger sharks

Tiger sharks Galeocerdo cuvier are a keystone, top-order predator that are
assumed to engage in cost-efficient movement and foraging patterns. To
investigate the extent to which patterns of oscillatory diving by these
animals conform to these patterns, we used a biologging approach to model
their cost of transport. High-resolution biologging tags with tri-axial
sensors were deployed on 21 tiger sharks at Ningaloo Reef for durations of
5-48 hours. Using overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) as a proxy for
energy expenditure, we modelled the cost of transport of oscillatory
movements of varying geometries in both horizontal and vertical planes for
tiger sharks. The cost of horizontal transport was minimized by descending
at the lowest possible angle and ascending at an angle of 5-14°, meaning
that vertical oscillations conserved energy compared to swimming at a
level depth. Reduction of vertical travel costs occurred at steeper
angles. The absolute dive angles of tiger sharks increased between inshore
and offshore zones, presumably to reduce the cost of transport while
continuously hunting for prey in both benthic and surface habitats.
Oscillatory movements of tiger sharks conform to strategies of
cost-efficient foraging, and shallow inshore habitats appear to be an
important habitat for both hunting prey and conserving energy while
travelling.