It works for pandas and primates, and often works for humans, but now scientists in Germany are trying to get sharks in the mood for love by using music.
Each of the ten Sea Life aquariums in the country is pumping loving melodies into their shark tanks twice a day for up to an hour at a time, in the hope of eliciting some amorous behaviour.
Scientists say the unusual resort is necessary, because the sharks are failing to produce enough pups.
"We've tried everything else and it didn't work, so we are taking a new approach," explained a spokesperson for the Sea Life centres.
"We have nothing to lose by trying the music."
The tender tunes range from classical, through pop, to reggae.
Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On and Endless Love by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross are two of the choices, though one of Germany's aquariums has acceded to requests for Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys and A Good Heart by Feargal Sharkey.
The Jaws theme tune is not being played, despite popular demand.
