Sharks - description, types, what they eat, features, how long they live, where they live, photos and videos

The shark is the most dangerous marine inhabitant that can harm human life. The predator lives in sea waters and oceans. You can meet representatives of vertebrates in almost all the salty waters of the World Ocean, but there are so many varieties of fish that it doesn’t hurt to get acquainted with the brightest representatives of this family.

Shark: description and photo. What does a shark look like?

There are over 500 different species of sharks. The superorder is characterized by a variety of sizes, shapes and other features. For example, the smallest deep-sea shark with a length of 17 cm is considered the smallest. One of the largest is the whale shark (up to 20 m in length). The same applies to weight - from 200 grams to several tens of tons.

Unlike bony fish, sharks have a skeleton made of cartilage tissue. At the same time, it is endowed with a sufficient level of rigidity. The skeleton includes 4 sections:

• spinal column (axial skeleton);
• unpaired fins;
• paired limbs (pelvic and pectoral fins);
• scull.

Anatomy of a shark
The maneuverability and speed of movement of a fish is ensured by several factors. The fish performs wave-like movements using its body, tail and fins. The tail fin, which includes two blades, serves as the main “engine” for the shark and also helps set the direction of movement. The fins located on the sides allow you to increase the speed of movement and perform maneuvers.

Shark tail fin

Each species of shark has certain anatomical features of its tail.
For example, a white shark moves very quickly, so its tail fin blades are almost identical. In other species, the upper lobe is larger than the lower one. Interesting fact : when a shark slows down, dives down or rises up, the paired fins along with the dorsal fins help it maintain balance. In this case, the fish is not able to swim in the opposite direction.

Dorsal fin of a shark
The body of sharks is covered with very strong placoid scales. Each scale is a diamond-shaped plate with a spike at the protruding end. Shark scales are called dermal denticles because they are similar to teeth in terms of strength and structure. The scales fit tightly to each other. Because of this, at first glance it seems that the skin is perfectly smooth and even. But if you run your hand over it in the opposite direction, from the tail to the head, a rough effect immediately becomes noticeable - the skin feels like sandpaper to the touch.

Shark skin under a microscope

The musculature of a shark is represented by several muscle groups:

• cardiac;
• somatic (red and white, responsible for body movement);
• visceral (muscles in blood vessels and internal organs).

The body of sharks is quite simple, and the metabolism is slow. Because of this, they cannot undergo prolonged physical activity. As a result of intense activity, excessive amounts of lactic acid accumulate in the body, which can negatively affect internal processes.

Sharks breathe oxygen from the water through their gills. The role of their respiratory organs is performed by the gill slits. They are located in front of the pectoral fins. The number of slits depends on the type of shark - from 5 to 7 pairs.

Shark gill slits

Due to the work of the heart, blood in sharks is transported through the gill artery into the vessels that are located in the gills. There the blood is saturated with oxygen and sent to the organs. However, blood pressure is not enough to supply the entire body with enough oxygen. Therefore, the shark is in constant motion - muscle contraction increases blood flow.

Bony fish have a swim bladder filled with gas. Sharks do not have it, so buoyancy is provided by the huge liver, as well as the skeleton and fins. And sand sharks imitate a swim bladder, filling the stomach with air.

Most sharks are cold-blooded with the exception of about 8 species. In white, blue and other sharks, certain parts of the body have a higher temperature than the environment. This allows them to move faster in cold water. Active muscle work contributes to an increase in temperature.

The stomach of sharks is U-shaped and can easily stretch. The liver occupies about 30% of the volume of the entire body. In addition to participating in buoyancy processes, it serves as a kind of storage facility, which contains useful substances and energy reserves.

The shark spends its accumulated resources for a very long time and gradually after eating, so it is capable of starving for a long time. For example, a shark weighing 150 kg requires about 80-90 kg of fish per year. From time to time, fish have to empty their stomachs of food debris. To do this, they turn it out through the mouth without causing absolutely any damage to the teeth.

For sharks, the main sensory system is a well-developed sense of smell. They are excellent at distinguishing odors by passing water through their nostrils to the receptors.

Interesting fact : some sharks have such sensitive receptors that they recognize the smell of blood in a ratio of 1 to 1 million. That is, they are able to sense it at a great distance, dissolved in a large mass of water.

The vision of some fish species is characterized by increased acuity. In addition, they are able to distinguish small details and some colors. Perception frequency – 45 frames per second. Some species have blinking eyelids, others do not. To protect their eyes from damage, the second type of shark rolls them up during an attack.

Shark eyes and nostrils

The organ of hearing is the inner ear, located inside the cartilaginous capsule. Predatory fish are able to detect low-frequency sounds and infrasound. The ear also helps maintain balance.

Interesting fact : the white shark has the best hearing among sharks.

Sharks have a sensitive organ - the lateral line, which runs inside the skin along the side of the body. It reacts to water fluctuations and allows fish to navigate in space, hunt and perform other vital functions.

Shark lateral line

How many teeth does a shark have?

The shape, size and number of teeth depend on what kind of life the shark leads and what it eats. Teeth are the main weapon of these predators and their growth continues throughout the entire life cycle of the fish. This is nothing more than modified placoid scales covering the skin.

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Most sharks have teeth growing in several rows - from 3 to 20 on both jaws. Each row contains about 30 teeth. Thus, an adult can have 200-15,000 teeth. However, they do not have roots, so teeth change quite often and unnoticed by the predator itself.

White shark teeth

Diet primarily affects the size and shape of teeth. Most predator sharks have sharp, cone-shaped teeth (about 5 cm long). If fish feed on hard-shelled food, they need flat, crushing teeth. Sharks that hunt large prey have wide and serrated teeth. Fish that feed on plankton have small teeth - only 3-5 mm.

Number of teeth in different types of sharks:

• white and brindle - 5-6 rows, up to 300;
• mustachioed - 5-7 rows, up to 500;
• hammerhead shark – 15-17 rows, up to 700;
• sand tiger - 42-28 rows, up to 1300;
• giant – 6-10 rows, up to 2000;
• whale - 18-20 rows, up to 15,000.

Whale shark mouth

Fish or mammal?

The term "mammal" refers to feeding its young with milk. Sharks do not do this, so they are clearly classified as fish. In addition, they breathe using gills.

Many sharks are comparable in size to large marine mammals, such as some species of whales. However, this does not give reason to classify them in this category.

Comparison of the sizes of whales and white sharks

The appearance of some shark species can also be misleading. For example, the frilled shark looks like an eel, the carpet shark lives on the bottom, and the hammerhead shark is easily recognizable by its characteristic head shape.

Interesting fact : an unusual representative of sharks, the carpet shark, has an extraordinary appearance, swims poorly and most of the time lies on the bottom waiting for fish to swim by.

Order: Hexanchiformes - Polybranchiformes

Family: Chlamydoselachidae - Frilled sharks

Genus: Chlamydoselachus - Frilled sharks, or frilled sharks

• Species: Chlamydoselachus africana
• Species: Chlamydoselachus anguineus - Frilled Shark

Family: Hexanchidae - Polygill sharks, or combtooth sharks

Genus: Heptranchias - Sevengill sharks, or sevengills

• Species: Heptranchias perlo – Ashy sevengill shark

Genus: Hexanchus - Sixgill sharks, or sixgills

• Species: Hexanchus griseus - Sixgill shark, or gray sixgill shark, or sixgill, or gray sixgill
• Species: Hexanchus nakamurai - Bigeye sixgill shark

Genus: Notorynchus - Flathead sharks, or flathead polybranchs

• Species: Notorynchus cepedianus - Flathead sevengill shark

Genus: Leptocharias - Whiskered dog sharks

• Species: Leptocharias smithii - Whiskered Dog Shark

Behavior and lifestyle

It is believed that sharks prefer to lead a solitary lifestyle and not form schools. However, from time to time they can be seen in groups, and quite large ones at that. Most often these are places with abundant food. Sharks also live in groups during reproduction.

Certain species of sharks prefer not to change their usual habitat. Others migrate, covering distances of thousands of kilometers. The migration system of fish is much more complex than that of birds. There is also a hierarchical system among sharks, according to which some species are subordinate to others. For example, despite the same size, the silky shark is subordinate to the white shark.

Sharks do not always attack immediately as soon as they see an enemy. They communicate through movements. If an unwanted object approaches, the predator can give a threatening signal by moving its fins more intensely.

School of hammerhead sharks

The average speed of sharks is about 8 km/h. If necessary, this figure can increase to 19 km/h. Some species (white shark, etc.) make high-speed bursts of about 50 km/h. This ability is inherent in them due to the previously mentioned temperature difference.

According to new research, sharks are capable of displaying playfulness, curiosity, intelligence and other signs of intelligence. They often overcome difficulties as part of a group.

How do sharks sleep?

For a long time it was believed that sharks cannot sleep because they need to constantly move to obtain oxygen. However, experts say that at least some species of sharks (demersal) can remain dormant for some time.

Interesting fact : only some sharks can remain stationary for a long time (during sleep), for example, the whiskered nurse shark. At the same time, they pump water through their gills and receive oxygen.

Whiskered nurse shark resting on the bottom

When sleeping on the bottom, sharks do not close their eyes or use their nostrils. However, they may involve squirters. Some species can sleep while moving because their spinal cord is responsible for movement. Another theory is the ability to turn off the hemispheres of the brain in turn.

Sharks can also “take a break” in underwater caves, where there is a fairly strong current. Interestingly, in one of these caves, scuba divers discovered Caribbean reef sharks. They appeared to be sleeping, despite the fact that this species is an active swimmer.

How and what do sharks drink?

Strictly speaking, sharks do not need to regularly drink water in the strictest sense of the word. Being in salt water, they absorb it constantly, and through the walls of the stomach the fresh component is absorbed into the blood and spread throughout the body.

At the same time, the fluid in the shark's body contains less salts than the water in the environment. A physical process called osmotic pressure occurs - a liquid with a lower concentration of salts rushes towards a liquid with a higher concentration. They contact through the skin of the fish. Thus, the sharks’ body gets rid of excess salt.

Interesting fact : sharks, which are able to live in both salt and fresh water (or only fresh), have the unique ability to adapt their body to life in a certain environment. For example, a blunt-nosed shark.

general characteristics

The dwarf (or pygmy) shark belongs to the Dalathiaceae family and is the only representative of the genus Euprotomicrus. The species belongs to the order Katraniformes. The same taxon also includes the smallest shark in the world - Etmopterus perryi. However, Euprotomicrus bispinatus is only a couple of centimeters larger than it.

The dwarf shark is notable not only for its miniature size. This fish has one of the unique natural phenomena - bioluminescence. This is why Euprotomicrus bispinatus is sometimes called the dwarf luminescent shark.

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The animal uses the luminescence mechanism for protective purposes. The miniature size of the pygmy shark makes it vulnerable to larger predators. The blue glow spreading along the belly has a good masking effect in the water column, since it effectively reflects light rays. This makes the shark virtually invisible to predators swimming below. Luminescence also helps fish hunt. The soft flickering is an excellent way to attract prey.

The maximum recorded length of the dwarf shark was 27 cm. The females of these fish are larger in size compared to the males.

How long do sharks live?

The average lifespan of most sharks is about 30 years. However, there are also long-lived species. These include whale sharks, spotted spiny sharks, and Greenland polar sharks, which can live up to 100 years. It is the Greenland polar shark that is considered the record holder in terms of longevity. For example, the age of one of them would be estimated by scientists at 392 years with an error of 100 years. On average, the species lives up to 272 years.

Interesting fact : in 2021, scientists discovered the oldest and at the same time the largest shark, a representative of the Greenland polar species. Estimated age is about 500 years. The fact is that over the course of a year, sharks of this species grow 1 cm in length. And the length of this individual was 5.4 m.

Greenland shark

Longevity is directly related to a shark's teeth, because if a predator loses its main weapon, it will not be able to feed.

Order: Pristiophoriformes - Sawtooths

Family: Pristiophoridae - Sawnose sharks

Genus: Pliotrema - Sawnose sharks

• Species: Pliotrema warreni - Sawnose shark

Genus: Pristiophorus

• Species: Pristiophorus cirratus
• Species: Pristiophorus japonicus
• Species: Pristiophorus nudipinnis
• Species: Pristiophorus schroederi
• Species: Pristiophorus delicatus
• Species: Pristiophorus peroniensis

Where do sharks live?

Sharks are common in the waters of the world's oceans. Thus, they live in all oceans and seas. Cartilaginous fish prefer coastal waters, reef zones, equatorial and near-equatorial waters.

Some species of sharks feel equally comfortable in both salt and fresh water. Therefore, they can swim into rivers. These species include the blunt-nosed shark, the common gray shark and others. On average, predators prefer a depth of about 2000 m, sometimes swimming 3000 m deep.

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Habitat of the white shark

Sharks of the Black Sea

Due to the high content of hydrogen sulfide in the waters of the Black Sea, the diversity of sharks that cannot tolerate it is small here. There are 2 species - the katran and the cat shark. These are small-sized individuals that do not pose a danger to humans. The only thing is that the body of the katran is strewn with thorns, contact with which is fraught with negative consequences.

There are also rare cases when predatory species of sharks swam into the waters of the Black Sea. For example, a great white shark can temporarily swim to the southern part of the Crimean coast and the western territories of the Krasnodar Territory.

Dwarf cat - up to cm

Cat sharks (also known as " ribbon cat sharks ") have several subspecies. These babies inhabit the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. They are especially numerous off the coast of India and the Philippines. Prefers to stay near the bottom.

Externally, the shark has a slender and narrow body, it has a small and rounded head and characteristic large eyes. One of the smallest sharks, when grown, does not exceed 19 cm, but we are talking about females, males are even smaller - they have a body length of up to 16 cm. The food for the dwarf shark is even smaller bottom inhabitants - fry.

What does a shark eat?

The diet of sharks depends on the specific species, as well as its habitat. In general, it can be called diverse. Most representatives are carnivores. Some species are unpretentious, so they feed on everything that comes their way (for example, a tiger shark). The main part of the diet is fish, plankton, small mammals, and crustaceans.

Shark jumps out of the water

Thus, sharks that live on the bottom feed on crabs and other crustaceans. To do this, they have teeth that can bite through shells. Blue shark, mako, lamna hunt sea fish while on the move. The white shark prefers large fish and mammals. Whale and basking sharks, despite their impressive size, feed on plankton.

Interesting fact : a whale shark can open its mouth up to 4.6 meters.

Natural enemies of sharks

It is noteworthy that sharks exhibit predatory qualities from birth. For them, natural selection begins from the moment they are born. Cubs born earlier than others get rid of their brothers and sisters. Also, newly hatched sharks are preyed upon by larger species.

Natural enemies of sharks:

• marlin;
• swordfish;
• dolphins, killer whales;
• saltwater crocodile (freshwater).

Natural enemies of sharks
Representatives of the billfish family can attack sharks using their long and powerful “spear”. The same applies to swordfish, which, when attacked by a shark, pierces its gills with its long nose.

Dolphins and killer whales are the main rivals of sharks in terms of food production, since the former feed on fish, the latter on large mammals. And this is the basis of the diet for predator sharks. In addition, sharks suffer from bacteria and various parasites.

Shark breeding

Sharks are characterized by internal fertilization. Moreover, depending on the type, they can be:

• viviparous;
• ovoviviparous;
• oviparous.

Sharks have a long period of puberty - on average about 10 years. A whale shark is capable of procreation only at 30-40 years of age. The incubation period also varies significantly - from a couple of months to 2 years.

Fish that reproduce oviparously lay 2-12 eggs. In this case, the eggs are covered with several shells. Including the external horn-like one. It protects the offspring from predators. Cubs become independent immediately after birth.

Shark egg capsules

In ovoviviparous fish, the young remain in the oviduct for some time. It is at this stage that natural selection operates and out of all the offspring, a maximum of 2 strongest individuals remain. The size of the cubs varies depending on the species. The offspring of the tiger shark are about 50-76 cm in length, and the white one is one and a half meters long.

baby shark

Why are sharks afraid of dolphins?

There are many cases where dolphins saved people, protecting them from sharks. Why are cute and harmless at first glance dolphins scary for large toothy predators? Mammals have several important advantages, thanks to which they almost always emerge victorious in a fight:

• dolphins are school animals, and the actions of the group are always coordinated, and each member of the school takes care of his relatives;
• the level of intelligence of mammals is much higher than that of sharks, therefore during an attack they deliberately attack the weakest points of the predator: the stomach and gills;
• The maximum speed of dolphins is higher, while their body is more balanced and maneuverable.

DOLPHIN

Population and species status

According to recent data, about 25% of all shark species are on the verge of extinction. The total number of fish is declining at a fairly high rate. There are several reasons for this:

1. Low reproductive capacity - sharks focus on the quality of the offspring produced, not the quantity. That is why, of all the cubs, only a few of the strongest remain.
2. Shark fishing, in particular, is illegal.
3. Reducing the amount of food that predators eat. This includes a decline in the number of mammals.
4. Pollution of the World Ocean waters with waste. This is especially true for plastic.

Garbage continents (the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is highlighted in red)
It is worth noting that sharks, especially hungry ones, tend to consume everything in their path. That's why they are attracted to large piles of garbage floating in the ocean - they create vibrations. Sharks are also quite curious.

Conditions of detention

In order not to condemn your pets to a joyless existence in a confined space, and even in uncomfortable conditions, you should pay attention to the peculiarities of keeping them. The decorative shark fish has a somewhat specific character and requires special attention.

Here are just the general rules:

The decorative shark fish has a somewhat specific character and requires special attention. Here are just the general rules:

1. Constant water temperature – from 24 to 29°C.
2. The volume of the aquarium is at least 40 liters.
3. Daily change of about 30% of the water in the container.
4. Good filtration and aeration of the aquarium.

As for the interior design of a glass house, you can afford almost everything. But keep in mind that under a layer of sand or small pebbles you should definitely lay a layer of large pebbles. Plants should be planted either in the soil itself, but deeper, or placed in special clay pots, carefully strengthening them. The fact is that aquarium sharks are very active fish.

For the convenience and comfort of such unusual pets, arrange several grottoes and stone caves at the bottom.

Shark fishing

More than 100 species of sharks are fished, as are many other fish. The fishing industry is interested in shark meat, fins, cartilage, liver and skin. Fishing is most active in the Atlantic Ocean, followed by the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Up to 100 million individuals are caught every year. Bans and restrictions on fishing are gradually being introduced, but its intensity is only increasing. Sharks are caught not only as a target fishery, but also accidentally - during the catch of other fish.

Shark and diver

There is a separate type of fishing - shark fin fishing. It is banned in some countries. Other reasons for catching sharks include increased danger on beaches and the threat of a decline in the population of other fish species.

Shark attack on a person

According to international statistics, the largest number of shark attacks on people are recorded in countries such as the USA, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

However, there is also unofficial data according to which African countries top the ranking of the most dangerous countries. Populations of dangerous and fairly large sharks live near Ghana, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Most attacks occur in ocean waters rather than in the seas.

White shark attacks (2015)

There are many myths surrounding sharks. They are considered the most dangerous predators, whose main goal is to attack people. This is only partially true. Sharks are indeed true predators and all safety tips must be followed.

However, most sharks attack people by mistake, confusing them with their real prey. Only some species, such as white, tiger and other sharks, can attack without any reason. In general, concerns about these fish are greatly exaggerated.

Interesting fact : in the list of threats that await a person in the water, the shark ranks last.

Diversity of aquatic predators

Among these predators, up to four hundred species are distinguished, and there are both small and very large sharks. Not all of them are dangerous to humans. Despite this diversity, there is no doubt which group of animals the shark belongs to.

The main thing that does not make it a mammal is that it does not feed its young with milk. Over many years of evolution, the inhabitants of the oceans have developed into dangerous and skilled predators with excellent hearing and sense of smell, which really helps these creatures smell blood at a great distance. However, sharks do not even have a hint of feeding with milk.

Therefore, the answer to the question of whether a shark is a fish or an animal is obvious - a fish. You can also highlight the following differences between marine mammals and fish:

• the cubs are born immediately independent, there is no need to take care of them or teach them how to hunt;
• sharks hardly sleep, they move non-stop;
• fish have a large set of sensory organs that help in obtaining food.

Another name for these creatures is selachia. All the myths, legends and speculations that surround them arose due to a lack of knowledge about them. However, during World War II, predators often attacked people participating in battles in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. There was a need to study them and find a way to protect against selachy.

Baby sharks are born immediately independent and do not need to be cared for

Keeping sharks in captivity

Only a few species of sharks can be found in captivity. Known or, conversely, rare species are of greatest interest. As a rule, they are distinguished by their large size and aggressive behavior. It is quite difficult to catch such sharks, as well as transport them. It is important not to damage them.

Whale shark in the aquarium

Specialists will also face difficulties when relocating an individual to an artificial tank. It must be spacious and durable enough, contain all the necessary equipment so that the shark feels safe. Support for normal functioning is required.

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Sharks in culture

Sharks, as unique and interesting creatures, could not help but become part of the culture for many peoples of the world. At a minimum, everyone has probably seen Western films in which sharks act as real monsters.

But this is not the entire role of fish in cultural heritage. They are mentioned in Greek mythology, Japanese, Polynesian culture. In particular, for the inhabitants of the Hawaiian Islands, sharks are not dangerous predators, but sea guardians who protect the local people.

Australian aborigines regard them as gifts of nature intended for humans. The Chinese consider sharks as a fishery, namely, they are considered valuable in the field of food industry and traditional medicine.

In popular culture, a shark is an essential element of a horror film or thriller about sea monsters. Examples of films featuring predator sharks:

• "Jaws" (1975);
• "The Abyss" (1977);
• "Deep Blue Sea" (1999);
• “The Shallows” (2016), etc.

Order: Heterodontiformes - Heterodontiformes

Family: Heterodontidae - Heterodontidae, or bull sharks, or horned sharks

Genus: Heterodontus - Bull sharks, or heterotooth sharks, or horned sharks

The following types are included:

• Heterodontus francisci - California bull shark
• Heterodontus galeatus - Helmeted bull shark
• Heterodontus japonicus - Japanese bull shark
• Heterodontus mexicanus - Mexican bull shark
• Heterodontus omanensis
• Heterodontus portusjacksoni - Australian bull shark, or Australian horned shark
• Heterodontus quoyi - Peruvian bull shark
• Heterodontus ramalheira - Mozambican bull shark
• Heterodontus zebra - Zebra bull shark, or Chinese bull shark, or narrow-striped bull shark

Types of sharks, names and photographs

In total, there are about 500 species of sharks. They have a rather complex classification, but experts identify 8 main orders (in brackets are typical representatives of the order):

• Carchariformes (basking hammerhead, silky, tiger, bull shark, blue);
• Lumniformes (giant, white, fox, herring, false sand, sand, largemouth);
• Heterodontoids (zebra bull, helmeted, African horned);
• Polygillidae (fried, sevengill);
• Sawtooth (pilonose);
• Wobbegongs (whale);
• Katraniformes (southern Katran);
• Flat-bodied (California squatina).

The most famous species

The white shark is characterized by aggressive behavior. Average age is about 70 years. It reaches 6 m in length or more, and such individuals weigh up to 2 tons. It is distinguished by good camouflage in the form of skin on the upper part of the body in shades of gray, brown, and green. The lower part of the body is much lighter. Has a highly sensitive sense of smell. Distributed in all oceanic waters.

White shark

The whale shark reaches an average length of 6-8 m. But this species is characterized by external diversity, so there are both small individuals and giants up to 20 m long. Considered the largest shark. Despite its possible dimensions, it is not dangerous for people. The structure of the jaws and teeth is designed to capture small sea food along with water. The characteristic color is dark skin with large white spots on the back and sides.

Whale shark

The height of a giant shark is up to 15 m, weight – up to 4 tons. It ranks second in size. It also feeds on plankton. It can lead a solitary lifestyle or form flocks. It has an unremarkable brown-gray color.

Giant shark

The largemouth shark grows up to 5 m in length. It is dark brown in the upper part and light brown in the lower part. A characteristic feature is a large mouth, up to 1.5 m long, with small teeth. It feeds on small sea creatures, attracting them with luminous phosphorites.

Largemouth shark

The tiger shark is a 4-meter specimen with bright striped colors. But this color is characteristic only of young fish, while in mature ones the skin becomes gray. It is dangerous for people because it moves quickly and has sharp teeth.

Tiger shark

The bull shark is common in all waters, including the ability to swim into fresh water bodies. It also poses a danger to people. The average length is 3 m. It is distinguished by a specially shaped muzzle with which it attacks enemies. Therefore, it has a second name - blunt-nosed.

Bull shark

The frilled shark looks more like a snake and is considered one of the ancient representatives that has retained its original appearance. It reaches a maximum length of 2 m. Due to the structure of the jaw, fairly large fish are swallowed whole.

frilled shark

The mako shark grows up to 3 meters and weighs about 100 kg. It is distinguished by its aggressiveness, developed sense of smell, and high speed. Dangerous for people. It has a gray-blue color with light skin in the abdominal area.

Mako shark

Interesting fact : when hunting, a mako shark can jump 6 m out of the water.

The hammerhead shark has a characteristic feature - a flattened hammer-shaped head. Poses a danger to people. Some individuals reach 8 m in length.

Hammerhead shark

Interesting fact : The location of the hammerhead shark's eyes allows it to have a 360° vision.

The fox shark reaches 5 m. It has a unique tail with a long upper blade and a short lower one. Using its tail it stuns fish and thus feeds.

fox shark

Whiskered shark , also called a dog shark because of its specific appearance - whiskers and folds at the corners of its mouth. The length is up to a meter, with the tail taking up most of it. Swims quickly and successfully hunts small fish.

Whiskered nurse shark

Reef shark with a thin body and a wide head. It grows up to 1.5 m and weighs only 20 kg. Usually has a dark gray color with sparse spots. Distributed among coral reefs, lagoons, and sandy shallows.

Reef shark

The lemon shark has a yellow skin tone mixed with pink and gray. Grows up to 3 m in length. Often forms groups, especially young individuals. Shows aggression towards people.

lemon shark

The freshwater shark is a rare representative of fish that lives in fresh water all its life. Length – up to 3 m. Dangerous for both people and other animals approaching the water. It has a gray-blue color with a light belly.

Freshwater shark

The dwarf shark is the smallest representative, about 17 cm long. It is considered little studied, since it belongs to deep-sea fish. Capable of emitting green light from her eyes.

Dwarf shark

The cat shark is a small specimen up to 1 m long with a bright coloration in the form of a dark shade with numerous spots. It is distinguished by its flexible body and elegance. Does not pose a danger to people.

cat shark

Order: Squatiniformes

Family: Squatinidae - Squatinidae, or flat-bodied sharks, or sea angels

Genus: Squatina - Flat-bodied sharks, or squatina, or sea angels

The following types are included:

• Squatina aculeata - Common Angelfish
• Squatina africana - African squatina, or African sea angel
• Squatina albipunctata
• Squatina argentina
• Squatina armata - Peruvian squatina, or Peruvian angelfish
• Squatina australis
• Squatina caillieti
• Squatina californica
• Squatina dumeril - American squatina, or American angelfish
• Squatina formosa
• Squatina guggenheim
• Squatina heteroptera
• Squatina japonica - Japanese squatina, or Japanese sea angel
• Squatina legnota
• Squatina mexicana
• Squatina nebulosa - Dark sea angel
• Squatina occulta
• Squatina oculata - Ocellated angelfish
• Squatina pseudocellata
• Squatina punctata
• Squatina squatina - European squatina, or European angelfish
• Squatina tergocellata
• Squatina tergocellatoides

The largest sharks in the world

Species of sharks that are particularly large in size:

1. Megalodon is a long-extinct species, but according to the teeth found, the length was about 15 m, weight up to 40,000 kg.
2. Large whale shark - length 12 m or more, weight 21,000 kg.
3. Giant shark - length 9-10 m, weight 4000 kg.
4. Tiger shark - length 7.5 m, weight 939 kg.
5. Great white shark - length 6 m, weight 1500 kg.
6. Greenland shark – length 4-6, weight 1020 kg.
7. Hammerhead shark - length 5-6 meters, weight 844 kg.

Megalodon and white shark teeth

How fast can sharks reach?

• The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) has a maximum swimming speed of 25 mph (40 km/h), possibly with short bursts of up to 35 mph (56 km/h).
• The tiger shark (Galecerdo cuvier) reaches speeds of about 20 mph (32 km/h).
• The blue shark (Prionace Glauca) reaches a speed of 24.5 mph (39.4 km/h).
• The whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the largest of the sharks, is also the slowest, with a moving speed of about 3 mph (4.8 km/h) but capable of short bursts of 6 mph (9.7 km/h).

Read more about the speed of sharks in the article: How fast can sharks swim