What are sharks? Everything you wanted to know about shark meat

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Probably, of all the predators living on Earth, they cause the greatest fear in humans. It is difficult to find a more perfect and, at the same time, more ancient organism. Sharks are ideal and ancient predators that appeared 420–450 million years ago, and since then they have not changed much: in the form in which we know them now, they were formed during the Jurassic period, when dinosaurs still walked the planet, and the first birds were just taking to the air.

We recently encountered one of these predators in Primorye. On August 17, a 25-year-old guy was attacked by a great white shark and bit off both his hands, and a day later a 16-year-old scuba diver was injured and escaped with severe lacerations to his legs.

There are about 350 different species of sharks in the waters of the World Ocean, and each of them is unique in its own way. Today we will take a closer look at some sharks and find out which of them is among the “big three”, the most dangerous killer sharks for humans.

Sharks are aquatic animals belonging to the superclass fish. All sharks are predators, i.e. for food they use animal food - from the smallest planktonic animals to large inhabitants of sea waters.

Sharks are very tenacious and do not have the same sensitivity to pain as other vertebrates. Their structure was so successfully honed by evolution that sharks survived the centuries-long struggle for existence with various, often very powerful predators, while changing little in the structure of their organs and body.

For convenience, we will mark in red species of sharks dangerous to humans, and green - relatively safe. However, do not forget that all sharks are predators. If you disturb these huge fish during a hunt, or provoke them consciously or unconsciously, then even harmless species are quite capable of attacking a person.

By the way, what should you do if you are suddenly attacked by a shark? A small infographic on this topic from rian.ru:

This species is distributed in the tropical zone of the Indian and Pacific oceans. These are one of the most common sharks of coral reefs, inhabiting reefs of various types, living at depths of several meters. These sharks are small representatives of the family; they do not exceed 2 meters in length and weigh 45 kg. Found at depths of 30 cm or less.

Blacktip reef sharks are sissies. For example, once during transportation, due to a staff error, the water in the container was two degrees below the possible minimum, and the sharks died from hypothermia. In another incident, 35-year-old English comedian Guy Venables, who was taking part in a show in a Brighton nightclub, jumped into a shark tank. The result of this prank was sad: the 12-year-old shark died of fright.

This shark can reach 4 meters in length, but usually does not exceed 2.5-3 meters. Looks a bit like a catfish:

It lives at a depth of 0.5 to 3 meters and can gather in schools of up to 40 individuals.

Slow and inactive nurse sharks feed on crabs, octopuses, sea urchins, and small fish.

Usually, Nurse sharks are safe for humans.

This predator usually reaches 3.5-4 meters in length.

Despite their rather terrifying appearance, sand tigers has a rather peaceful character and attack people only in self-defense. (Photo by David Doubilet):

It should be noted that the original method of maintaining buoyancy used by this type of shark is swallowing air and retaining it in the stomach.

Sand tiger sharks They are distributed mainly in warm climate zones, and there are especially many of them along the Australian coasts. The largest population lives off the coast of North Carolina, near shipwrecks.

Sand Tiger Teeth:

Currently, tiger sand sharks, like many other shark species, are on the verge of extinction. All this led to the inclusion of sand tiger sharks in the list of protected fish and their inclusion in the international Red Book.

Scuba divers hold a 3-meter ruler to show the size of the shark:

Hammerheads are large sharks. This is the most unusual shark. The main distinguishing feature of the hammerhead shark family is the shape of their head - it is completely unusual in shape - in the shape of a hammer, T-shaped, with eyes at the edges.

According to one theory, the shark's head acquired the hammer shape gradually over millions of years, expanding each generation by a tiny distance. According to another theory, such a hammer did not appear as a result of gradual changes, but was the result of a sudden, bizarre mutation.

These sharks live in warm and temperate waters of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans at depths of up to 300-400 meters. These aggressive hunters feed on various types of fish, octopuses, squids and crustaceans.

Hammerhead sharks (except the giant hammerhead) are up to 3.5-4.2 meters long and weigh about 450 kg.

In searching for food, the hammerhead shark is mainly helped not by its eyes, but by special receptors of electromagnetic pulses. The predator can detect electrical discharges of one millionth of a volt!

Due to its large size, many researchers consider the hammerhead shark one of the most dangerous for a person. But she doesn’t specifically attack people. Many attacks that took place in front of numerous spectators are documented. One day, in 1805, three hammerhead sharks were caught in a net on Long Island. A human torso was found in the stomach of the largest of them.

One of the types of hammers - giant hammerhead shark(average length 4-5 meters) - listed in the International Red Book:

The largest species of shark, as well as the largest living representative of fish.

Although, according to some eyewitnesses, they encountered specimens ranging from 18 to 20 m in length, the largest specimen ever measured was 13.7 m in length. Whale sharks can weigh up to 12 tons.

Despite its impressive size, like a giant shark, it feeds exclusively on plankton and other small organisms, which it filters, drawing in water through a huge gullet with a diameter of 10 cm.

Whale sharks prefer water temperatures between 21 and 25 °C and are distributed throughout the world, found in almost all warm tropical and many subtropical seas on and near the equator.

The whale shark is not dangerous to humans and behaves peacefully. She not only does not attack, but even turns away if a swimmer gets in her way.

It has been estimated that whale sharks can live up to 100 - 150 years.

Commonly found in tropical waters near islands in all oceans. Sharks live on the bottom and prefer to stay close to the coastline near underwater rocks and coral reefs with strong currents. These sharks reach sizes of 2.5 meters.

Galapagos gray shark- one of the few that demonstrates its intention to attack: before attacking, it arches its back, raises its head, lowers its fins, and while swimming it spins and rolls from side to side. She refers to species dangerous to humans.

Sharks' noses are sensitive to certain odors and can detect the presence of blood at a concentration of 1:1,000,000, which can be compared to a teaspoon of blood poured into a swimming pool.

Another trait they have is curiosity: sharks accompany ships, poke at the side, hit the oars and chase scuba divers.

The lifespan of the Galapagos shark is about 24 years.

It is the brightest representative of the largest species of fish. It is the second largest species of fish after the whale shark. It reaches a length of up to 10 meters and weighs about 4 tons.

Like the whale shark, the basking shark feeds on plankton, but does not suck in water, but simply swims with its mouth open, filtering through its gills everything that gets into it. Thus, a giant shark is able to filter up to 2000 tons of water per hour.

Basking sharks are found in both the eastern and western hemispheres, preferring cool to warm-temperate latitudes and following the presence of plankton.

safe for humans and today it is endangered.

Females reach a length of 4 meters, males - up to 2.5 m. The maximum documented weight of a bull shark caught was 316.5 kg. On average, a bull shark lives 27-28 years.

The bull shark rightfully ranks 3rd place in the list of the most dangerous shark species for humans. This is an extremely aggressive animal that has the right to claim the title of an ideal and all-powerful predator. It is almost impossible to escape from a terrible monster attacking a swimmer.

Feeding a bull shark by scuba divers:

These bloodthirsty predators usually attack in the morning or late twilight, and, often, at a shallow depth - only 0.5m - 1m.

The behavior of bull sharks is impossible to predict. They can swim peacefully nearby for a long time, and then suddenly attack the swimmer. This attack can be a simple exploratory bite or an outright attack.

This is one of the most common shark species on Earth and ranks 2 1st place on the list of the most dangerous shark species for humans.

Sea tigers reach a length of 5 meters, but larger individuals are also found. Weight ranges from 570 to 750 kg. The lifespan of tiger sharks is probably 30-40 years.

Tiger shark teeth:

Until the shark reaches two meters in length, transverse stripes similar to those of a tiger are noticeable on its sides - hence the name.

Tiger sharks live in many seas of the World Ocean, preferring to stay in the coastal waters of the seas of tropical and subtropical thermal zones. The deep habitat range of tiger sharks extends from the surface of the sea to significant depths. They were encountered at a depth of almost 1 km.

Brave scuba diver:

This huge predator rightfully occupies 1st place in the list of the most dangerous shark species for humans.

It is officially stated that on August 17-18, 2011 in Primorye, in both cases, swimmers were attacked by the same fish - a white shark at least four meters in length.

"White death"- this is the name by which this exceptionally large shark is known, found in the surface coastal waters of all the major oceans of the Earth. Reaching a length of over 6 meters and a mass of 2,3000 kg, it is the largest modern predatory fish. Great white sharks - they are like torpedoes, with a powerful tail, thanks to which they move in the water at speeds of up to 24 km/h.

Scientists have determined the size of the largest specimen, the length of which has been reliably measured to be 6.4 meters. This great white shark was caught in Cuban waters in 1945, measured by experts and documented. The unconfirmed weight of this Cuban shark is 3,270 kg. (Photo by Epic Hanauer):

Wide mouth and sharp triangular teeth arranged in several rows. Experts advise that when attacked by sharks, “strike in the face, eyes and gills.” It is doubtful that such measures will help repel the attack of a 5-meter predator, which has honed its ability to kill over millions of years of evolution.

The number of teeth in a great white shark, like in a tiger shark, is 280-300.

However, the great white shark is on the verge of extinction - there are only about 3,500 specimens of these beautiful, ancient predators left on Earth.

In contact with

These are animals that give birth to live young and then feed on the female's milk, which is produced by the mammary glands. Mammals share many characteristics, but the most significant is the presence of mammary glands.

There are more than 500 species of sharks. Discussion about whether sharks are mammals or fish occurs sometimes because some features characteristic of sharks are similar to both mammals and fish.

Sharks are not mammals

Although sharks give birth to live young, like mammals, they are fish. In fact, this characteristic causes many people to classify sharks as mammals. Some animals, such as platypuses, are . They do not give birth directly, but are classified as mammals because they feed their young with milk from their mammary glands, which sharks do not have. and dolphins are mammals. But because sharks and whales are so similar, many people tend to believe that they are also mammals.

What characteristics of sharks distinguish them from mammals?

Sharks are cold-blooded, or ectothermic, animals. This means that sharks' body temperatures are regulated by conditions. Mammals are warm-blooded animals. Their temperature remains constant despite fluctuations in environmental conditions. Warm-blooded animals, also commonly called endotherms, have adaptations that help them maintain a constant body temperature. These adaptations include shivering and a protective coat.

Also, as stated earlier, mammals feed their young with milk from their mammary glands, but sharks do not. Mammals have fur on the surface of their skin. Sharks have scales that help them swim. Whales, which many associate with sharks, have fur on the surface of their skin, but it is almost invisible. It should also be noted that mammals breathe through their lungs, while fish use gills.

Conclusion

Sharks are not mammals, they are a superorder of fish. They give birth to live young, but this alone does not give them the opportunity to become a mammal. They do resemble whales, however, this does not allow them to be classified as mammals. Sharks are fish because they lack some of the basic characteristics of mammals, but they have most of the characteristics of fish.

Although they are considered the largest marine predators dangerous to humans, how much do we really know about sharks? Did you know that a person is more likely to be the victim of an attack by another person (ex-boyfriends and girlfriends do not count) than a shark? Or that, since the 16th century, there have been far fewer unprovoked shark bites than the number of text messages you send every month? Did you know that sharks come not only gray, but also in all colors of the rainbow - for example, pink and yellow?

Sharks are fascinating creatures that play a key role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Without these skilled predators (okay, not all of them are skilled - some seem as lost as we do on Monday mornings) the ocean ecosystem would be so disrupted that humans might have to say goodbye to fish and crustaceans.

Our list today contains some little-known facts about sharks, namely: why baby sharks eat their brothers and sisters in the womb, what is the largest organ of sharks, and many others.

Since the great white shark is already so popular, we will focus mainly on facts about other shark species that live in our oceans.

So, here are 25 facts about sharks that you still didn’t know!

25. The most disgusting taste on the planet

One of the national Icelandic dishes is called “hákarl”. It is prepared from the meat of the Greenland shark or basking shark, which is freshened, cut and left for 6-8 weeks to drain the juices, and then kept in the fresh air to dry for 2-5 months.

Renowned American chef Anthony Bourdain described the flavor as 100 times richer than blue cheese and said it was "the single worst, most disgusting, worst-tasting thing."

24. Sharks help humans fight infection


Since for some reason barnacles and microorganisms do not grow on sharks at all, scientists are studying their skin to find a way to fight bacterial infections in the human body.

23. The strangest thing that sharks eat


Northern sharks are known to often eat seals, but did you know that Greenland sharks sometimes eat horses, deer and even polar bears?

22. Why do sharks attack people more often near California?


There are more shark attacks in the waters off California because there is more prey there. There are several different protected areas located nearby, mandated by the US government. Marine mammal populations are increasing, thereby attracting hungry sharks to the state's shores looking to prey.

21. Number of shark bites recorded over the past 400 years


Between 1588 and 2011, there were only 2,463 unprovoked shark bites reported. Less than 20% of these cases were fatal.

20. A shark can eat an underwater camera


Since they are able to pick up electrical signals emitted by living creatures, during a hunt they can mistake an underwater camera emitting an electrical signal for prey and eat it.

19. Shark blood contains anticoagulants


Scientists are also testing shark blood to help patients with heart disease. In particular, they are studying the blood clotting system present in the blood of these predators.

18. The best place to survive a shark attack


If a person is bitten by a shark, then it is best for him to swim to a place where the water is coolest, since in cold water the body temperature decreases, thereby slowing down blood loss. However, fewer people die from shark bites than from playing football in high school or college.

16. Baby sharks eat their brothers and sisters

Baby sharks often eat their siblings in the womb. Do you know why? Since a female shark can be impregnated by several males at once, the baby sharks eat each other so that only their father's children are born.

15. Great white sharks don't like the taste of human meat.


Ask anyone what shark they are most afraid of, and the answer will most likely be the great white shark. Luckily, people don't have to be too afraid of great white sharks because they don't actually like the taste of human flesh; they most often bite and release their prey.

14. Self-heating eyes


Sharks that live in cold waters can use organs located near their eye sockets that heat their eyes, helping them see better and therefore hunt better in icy water.

13. A shark that swims while sleeping


The katran, or common spiny shark, is best known among sharks for its strange feature: it sleeps while swimming. Just like sleepwalkers who can sleep and walk, the Katran can swim while sleeping.

12. The strange romance of blue sharks


Many species of sharks have unusual methods of seduction. To show his interest, the male blue shark bites the female. Strongly. And female blue sharks' skin is naturally three times thicker than that of males to protect them during such courtships.

11. Colorful sharks


In addition to their well-known grayish appearance, sharks are pink or yellow in color.

10. Barking shark


The California bloat shark, or Chilean cathead shark, can inflate with water and swell, doubling its body size to prevent predators from pulling them out of the reefs and crevices where they sleep during the day (these sharks are nocturnal). If you take them out of the water, they swallow air and, deflating, make sounds similar to barking.

9. The smallest shark


The surprisingly small shark Etmopterus perryi has a body length of only 20 cm. Thanks to the presence of photophores, it can emit a glow.

8. A jaw the size of almost three people


A whale shark can open its mouth up to 4.6 meters. Fortunately for humans, it feeds only on plankton.

7. Sharks have excellent peripheral vision


An alarming fact about sharks for small fish: they can see almost 360 degrees around them. The only places they can't see are right in front of the muzzle and just behind the head.

6. Shark playing football


Atlantic herring sharks, or lamnas, when not prowling for food, throw pieces of seaweed among themselves in a peculiar game that can be compared to football.

5. Shark is the patroness of travelers


If you're a tourist looking to animals for inspiration, look no further than hammerhead sharks. These migratory travelers sail from the Florida coast all the way to the polar region, adapting to changing water temperatures along the way.

4. Sharks have the largest organ


Despite its seemingly gluttonous nature, the largest organ is not the stomach at all, but the liver.

3. Shark teeth


One of the coolest shark facts on our list is that they never have holes in their teeth. This is because the outside of the teeth is coated with fluoride, the main active ingredient found in most toothpastes.

2. Under-shark


It’s difficult to even call the disgusting-looking (and strangely named) wobbegong or carpet shark a shark. Being a poor swimmer, she lies in ambush on the seabed for days on end in order to surprise passing fish.

1. Shark vs. Human


Sharks kill fewer than 15 people a year - a meager figure compared to the 73 million sharks killed by humans over the same period.

Wondering if there are sharks in the Black Sea? And it’s not even about horror movies from childhood, but about the most common human concern for one’s life and health.

Are there sharks in the Black Sea?

The answer to such a question can instill fear in unknowing people, because this answer: "Yes", and this is a scientifically proven fact.

What predators live there?

You can breathe out - the sharks that live in the waters of the Black Sea are practically not dangerous for humans due to its small size and caution. During the day they hide in the depths and do not disturb vacationers with their presence.

When meeting fishermen, Black Sea sharks do not attack them, but go to the bottom.

In addition to sharks, there are other dangerous ones in the Black Sea:

• Jellyfish. Cornerot is dangerous; it can sting a person quite seriously with its poison;
• Sea ruff or scorpionfish. It has clawed teeth and poisonous glands located on its fins;
• Sea dragon. The seemingly harmless fish has poisonous glands next to the spine on the gill cover and on the first dorsal fin, which poses a great danger to people;
• Stingray stingray. Its tail has a sharp spine that can grow up to 35 cm. The sting of this protective element is very painful.

Unfavorable living environment

The Black Sea is unfavorable for the life of large sharks that are dangerous to humans for a number of reasons. At a depth of approximately 60-70 meters, the Black Sea waters contain hydrogen sulfide, which is not suitable for breathing for most shark species.

And one more fact why there are no dangerous sharks in the Black Sea. Due to the lack of diversity and quantity of marine fauna, large predators simply nothing to eat in the Black Sea. The slightly salty waters of the Black Sea are not suitable for life for large sharks that got into it from.

Black Sea species of thunderstorms of the seas - photo

Only two shark species

Katran

Also called dogfish or the Black Sea shark is the most famous predator of the Black Sea. The main feature of this shark is the spines on its fins, which are designed for protection. They are covered with poisonous mucus. There are known cases when a person could be injured by this shark while sorting the catch, being injured by poisonous spines.

Katrans do not like to swim alone and prefer to flock together in common schools.

The katran has a streamlined elongated shape, this allows you to develop higher speed. These sharks live at a depth of up to 40 meters, a little deeper in the summer, as they prefer water with a temperature of 14-15 degrees. An adult katran is no more than 160 cm in length and lives 25 years. It prefers to eat herring, horse mackerel, squid and even octopus. Avoids meeting people.

Feline

Cat shark is also known as scyllium. It has a fairly small size - on average 60-70 cm. The shark's body is covered with spots, which makes it similar to representatives of the feline species. Hunts in shallow water, feeding on small fish and crustaceans. Due to its size, it is often included in the diet of its larger counterparts. It usually lives at a depth of 80-100 meters.

This nocturnal predator has excellent vision darkness. During the day he prefers to lead a sedentary lifestyle. This type of shark mainly lives along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and in the Mediterranean Sea, from where it enters the Black Sea through the Bosphorus during the migration period.

Blue, spiny and dwarf sharks can be found in the waters of the Adriatic Sea. Where is it - read in.

Sea killers and cases of attacks on people

Most of the claims that there are dangerous sharks in the Black Sea are related to fishing stories. And they are among the most mysterious and dangerous species of sharks in the World Ocean.

Goblin Shark

Differently goblin shark. Perhaps the most ancient and little-studied species of shark on the planet. The only deep sea shark. Scientists have come across the bones of a goblin shark that is 80 million years old.

This fish acquired such an ominous name for a reason. The goblin has a large sensitive protuberance on its nose, which does not add to its attractiveness, and a movable jaw that moves far forward when it sees prey. It prefers depths of more than 300 meters and never rises to the surface. There are enough rarely and was considered an extinct species for many years.

Compared to the Black Sea sharks, the goblin has an impressive size. The length of an adult is more than 3 meters.

Even the color of this shark remains a mystery; it is supposedly pink, but if the shark dies, it changes to brown.

The shark has interesting features:

1. Electroreception. That is, it is able to perceive electrical impulses from the environment. This helps her get food in the dark depths of the sea;
2. She has another ability of deep-sea fish - her eyes. glow in the dark greenish light.

The goblin feeds on shellfish and fish. Shark lives in all oceans except for the Arctic, preferring warm and temperate waters. Most often found off the coast of Japan.

In December 2010, information appeared in the media that in the Black Sea in the area, fishermen was caught goblin shark. No one was hurt except the shark itself. Photos, video reports, interviews appeared. However, experts considered the information a “duck”. It is also not known how dangerous the goblin shark actually is.

White torpedo

Shark eater. The name speaks for itself. This is one of the largest predators on the planet. Its length reaches 7 meters. Despite its enormous size, the shark is quite intelligent and curious; it has a well-developed sense of smell, allowing it to smell prey several kilometers away.

The shape of a shark resembles torpedo, which allows it to reach speeds of up to 24 kilometers per hour. Can dive to depths of more than 1000 meters. White sharks live 60 years. Adults feed on large fish, seals, sea lions, cephalopods, and can attack other sharks and even whales.

The great white shark has gained a reputation as a killer due to numerous cases of attacks on humans. This shark lives in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.

According to scientists, the entry of white sharks from the Mediterranean Sea through the Bosphorus is quite probably, but they will not swim far from the strait and the shores - changes in water temperature in winter and summer are not suitable for them.

White sharks are thermophilic - they live in waters heated from +12 to +24 degrees.

Here are some cases of white sharks appearing near the Black Sea from the world of news:

• V 2008 And 2009 years, in the area of ​​the Dardanelles Strait, fishermen from Turkey caught baby white sharks in a net;
• in July 2011 year, Turkish fishermen caught a young great white shark in the same region;
• in September 2016 the same fishermen discovered a school of white sharks in the Bosphorus Strait off the coast.

Blue sea queen

This species of shark got its name because of its unusual gray-blue color. Smaller in size than white, adults reach 4 meters. This species lives in the Indian and Pacific oceans. Prefers moderate and calm waters.

The blue shark is an excellent hunter; it loves small fish; in coastal waters it can attack waterfowl. This fish does not distinguish colors, but has phenomenal sense of smell.

The blue shark has a complex relationship with humans. In Malaysia, the blue shark is a commercial fish and it is from there that it ends up on the tables of gourmets in different countries. But the predator herself does not remain in debt. Probability of attack especially large in the open ocean.

Less commonly, careless swimmers in warm lagoons can also be attacked by blue sharks.

On April 12, 2015, a blue shark attacked a photographer in south Florida, resulting in only a bitten forearm. According to the victim, he himself provoked shark in pursuit of the perfect shot.

And in this video you can find out a little more about one of the Black Sea sharks:

Sharks are well-known predators of marine waters. The species diversity of the oldest fish is represented unusually widely: small representatives reach 20 cm, and large ones – 20 m in length.

Common Shark Species

Only shark names will take up more than one page. The classification identifies 8 orders of fish, including approximately 450 species, only three of which feed on plankton, the rest are predators. Some families are adapted to live in fresh waters.

How many types of sharks actually exists in nature, one can only guess, because sometimes individuals are found that were considered hopelessly lost to history.

Shark genera and species are united into orders:

• carchariformes (carcharidae);
• heterogeneous (bovine, horned);
• polybranchiformes (polybranchials);
• lamniform;
• wobbegong-shaped;
• sawnose;
• katran-shaped (spiny);
• flat-bodied representatives.

Despite the diversity of predators, sharks are united by structural features:

• the basis of the fish skeleton is cartilage tissue;
• all species breathe oxygen through gill slits;
• absence of a swim bladder;
• acute sense of smell - blood can be sensed several kilometers away.

Carcharine sharks

They are found in the waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian oceans, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Red seas. Dangerous shark species. Typical representatives:

Tiger (leopard) shark

Known for its prevalence in coastal areas, India, Japan, and Australia. The name reflects the color of the predators, similar to the tiger pattern. The transverse stripes on a gray background persist until the shark grows over 2 meters long, then they turn pale.

Maximum size up to 5.5 meters. Greedy predators swallow even inedible objects. They themselves are a commercial object - the liver, skin, and fins of fish are valued. Sharks are very prolific, with up to 80 live-born pups in one litter.

Hammerhead shark

Lives in warm ocean waters. The record length of the giant specimen was recorded at 6.1 m. The weight of large representatives is up to 500 kg. Shark appearance unusual, massive. The dorsal fin is sickle-shaped. Ahead of the “hammer” is almost straight. Favorite prey: poisonous stingrays and seahorses. They bear offspring once every two years, 50-55 newborns. Dangerous for humans.

Hammerhead shark

Silky (Florida) shark

Body length is 2.5-3.5 m. Weight is about 350 kg. The color includes different shades of grayish-blue with a metallic sheen. The scales are very small. Since ancient times, the streamlined body of the fish has terrified the depths of the sea.

The image of a cruel hunter is associated with stories of attacks on divers. They live everywhere in waters with water heated to 23°C.

Silky shark

Snout shark

A species of gray shark known for being the most aggressive. The maximum length is 4 m. Other names: bull shark, tub head. More than half of all human victims are attributed to this predator. Lives in coastal areas of Africa and India.

The peculiarity of the bovine species is in the osmoregulation of the body, i.e. adaptation to fresh water. The appearance of a blunt-nosed shark at the mouths of rivers flowing into the seas is common.

Blunt shark and its sharp teeth

Blue shark

The most common variety. Average length up to 3.8 m, weight more than 200 kg. It got its name from the color of its slender body. The shark is dangerous to humans. It can approach the shores and go to great depths. Migrates across the Atlantic.

Blue shark foraging for food

Hedgetooth sharks

Typical bottom inhabitants are of medium size. Many species are called bulls, which creates confusion with dangerous gray individuals called bulls. The squad has rare species of sharks, not dangerous to humans.

Zebra shark

Lives in shallow waters off the coast of Japan, China,. Narrow brown stripes on a light background resemble a zebra pattern. Dull short snout. It poses no danger to humans.

Zebra shark

Helmet shark

A rare species found off the Australian coast. The skin is covered with rough teeth. Unusual color of dark spots on a light brownish background. The average length of individuals is 1 m. They feed on sea urchins and small organisms. It has no commercial value.

Mozambican shark

The length of the fish is only 50-60 cm. The red-brown body is strewn with white spots. A little-studied species. It feeds on crustaceans. It lives on the coasts of Mozambique, Somalia, and Yemen.

Polygill sharks

The order has existed for hundreds of millions of years. An unusual number of gill slits and a special shape of teeth distinguish the patriarchs of the shark tribe. They live in deep water.

Sevengill (straightnose) shark

Slender body of ash color with a narrow head. The fish is small in size, up to 100-120 cm in length. It exhibits an aggressive character. After catching it, it tries to bite the offender.

Frilled shark

The length of the flexible elongated body is approximately 1.5-2 m. The ability to bend resembles a snake. Color grey-brown. The membranes of the gills form leather bags similar to a cloak. A dangerous predator with roots from the Cretaceous period. The shark is called a living fossil for its lack of signs of evolution. The second name was received for the numerous folds on the skin.

Lumniform sharks

The torpedo shape and powerful tail allow it to swim quickly. Large specimens are of commercial importance. Sharks are dangerous to humans.

Fox sharks

A distinctive feature of the species is the elongated upper lobe of the caudal fin. Used as a whip to stun prey. A cylindrical body, 3-4 m long, is adapted for high-speed movement.

Some species of sea foxes filter plankton and are not predators. Due to the taste of the meat, they have commercial value.

Giant sharks

Giants, more than 15 m long, are second in size after whale sharks. The color is gray-brown with speckles. Lives in all temperate waters of the oceans. They do not pose a danger to people. Feeds on plankton.

The peculiarity of the behavior is that the shark constantly keeps its mouth open, filtering 2000 tons of water per hour while moving.

Sand sharks

Inhabitants of the deep and explorers of coastal zones at the same time. You can recognize the species by its upturned nose and the frightening appearance of its massive body. Found in many tropical and cool seas.

The average length of the fish is 3.7 m. In general, sand sharks, which are harmless to humans, are confused with gray predators, known for aggression.

Mako shark (black tip)

There are short-finned varieties and long-finned relatives. In addition to the Arctic Ocean, the predator lives in all other oceans. It does not go deeper than 150 m. The average size reaches 4 m in length and weighs 450 kg.

Despite the fact that many existing shark species dangerous, the gray-blue predator is an unsurpassed deadly weapon. Develops colossal speed in pursuit of schools of mackerel, schools, and sometimes jumps above the water.

Goblin shark (brownie, rhinoceros)

The accidental catch of an unknown fish in the late 19th century, approximately 1 m long, led scientists to the discovery: extinct shark species Scapanorhynchus, thought to have existed 100 million years ago, is alive! The unusual snout above the head makes it look like a shark. An alien from the past was found again several times after almost 100 years. Very rare inhabitants.

Wobbegong sharks

The peculiarity of the order is the unusually smooth and rounded shapes of predators among their relatives. Different types of sharks The variegated coloring and bizarre growths on the body bring them together. Many representatives lead a bottom-dwelling lifestyle.

Whale shark

An amazing giant up to 20 meters long. Found in reservoirs of tropical zones and subtropics. They do not tolerate cold water well. A beautiful, harmless predator whose food consists of mollusks and crayfish. Divers can pat him on the back.

It amazes with its grace and unique appearance. Small eyes on a flattened head hide in a fold of skin in case of danger. Small teeth are arranged in 300 rows, their total number is approximately 15,000 pieces. They lead a solitary life and rarely form small groups.

Carpal wobbegong

It is difficult to recognize this strange creature as a relative of the ocean predators that terrify all aquatic inhabitants. The aerobatics of camouflage consists of a flat body covered with some kind of rags.

It is very difficult to recognize fins and eyes. Sharks are often called mustachioed and bearded due to the fringe along the contour of their heads. Due to their unusual appearance, bottom sharks often become pets in public aquariums.

Zebra shark (leopard)

The spotted color is very reminiscent of a leopard, but no one will change the ingrained name. The leopard shark is often found in warm sea waters, at depths of up to 60 meters along coastlines. The beauty is often captured by underwater photographers.

Zebra shark on photo reflects an atypical representative of his tribe. The smooth lines of the fins and body, rounded head, leathery protrusions along the body, and yellow-brown color create a spectacular appearance. Does not show aggression towards humans.

Sawtooth sharks

A distinctive feature of the representatives of the order is a jagged outgrowth on the snout, similar to a saw, and a pair of long antennae. The main function of the organ is to search for food. They literally plow up the bottom soil if they sense prey.

In case of danger, they swing a saw, inflicting wounds on the enemy with sharp teeth. The average length of an individual is 1.5 m. Sharks live in warm ocean waters, off the coasts of South Africa, Japan, and Australia.

Short-nosed sawnose

The length of the sawtooth outgrowth is approximately 23-24% of the length of the fish. The usual “saw” of its relatives reaches a third of the total body length. The color is gray-blue, the belly is light. With side blows of the saw, sharks injure their victims in order to then eat them. Leads a solitary lifestyle.

Dwarf saw-nos (African saw-nos)

There is information about catching dwarf (body length less than 60 cm) sawbills, but there is no scientific description. Types of sharks very small sizes are rare. Like their relatives, they lead a bottom life on silt-sandy soil.

Golden sharks

Representatives of the order live almost everywhere in all sea and ocean waters. Since ancient times, spines have been hidden in the fins of katran-shaped fish. There are thorns on the back and skin, which can easily cause injury.

None of them are dangerous to humans. The peculiarity of fish is that they are saturated with mercury, so eating spiny sharks is not recommended.

Types of sharks of the Black Sea include katran representatives, the indigenous inhabitants of this reservoir.

Southern siltworm

It lives at a depth of up to 400 m. The body is dense, spindle-shaped. The head is pointed. The color is light brown. Shy fish are harmless to humans. You can only get hurt on thorns and hard skin.

Heavy Sludge

The massive body of the fish with the characteristic shape of the silt gullet. Lives at great depths. Little studied. Rare specimens of the shortthorn shark were caught in deep-sea catches.

granular shark

A common type of fish at a depth of 200-600 m. The name appeared due to its original shape, similar to sandpaper. Sharks are not aggressive. Maximum dimensions reach 26-27 cm. Color black-brown. There is no commercial value due to the difficult production and small size of the fish.

Flat-bodied sharks (squat sharks, angel sharks)

The shape of the predator resembles a stingray. The length of typical representatives of the order is approximately 2 m. They are active at night; during the day they bury themselves in the mud and sleep. They feed on bottom organisms. Squat sharks are not aggressive, but react to provoking actions of swimmers and divers.

Squatins are called sand devils for their method of hunting from ambush with a sudden rush. The prey is sucked into the toothy mouth.

The most ancient creatures of nature, living in the ocean for 400 million years, are many-sided and diverse. A person studies the world of sharks like a fascinating book with historical characters.