10 Fascinating Facts About Sharks
Sharks are ancient predators that have survived hundreds of millions of years, showcasing unique behaviors and adaptations.
1. Sharks Have Been Around Longer Than Trees
Sharks have existed for about 450 million years, outlasting four of the five great extinctions. The first trees appeared roughly 350 million years ago, making sharks older than trees.
2. Megalodons Were the World’s Largest Sharks
The Megalodon, meaning “enormous tooth,” ruled the oceans 20 million years ago and was related to today’s great white shark. Fossil evidence shows they grew 15–18 meters long and weighed over 25 tons, dwarfing modern great whites.
3. Some Sharks Can Glow in the Dark
In 2014, scientists discovered that chain catsharks and swell sharks communicate by emitting shimmering light through their skin. The luminous green specks, invisible to the human eye, become visible under a blue filter light.
4. Sharks Are Mostly Colorblind
Despite excellent vision, most sharks are largely colorblind, perceiving limited colors in their environment.
5. Sharks Have Distinct Personalities
Research on Port Jackson sharks shows that, like humans, sharks have unique personalities. Each reacts differently to stress or new environments, with some being braver than others.
6. Sharks Shed and Replace Their Teeth Regularly
Certain shark species shed up to 35,000 teeth in their lifetime, keeping them well-equipped hunters throughout life.
7. There Are Over 400 Shark Species
Sharks range widely in size and shape. The whale shark grows up to 12 meters long, while the dwarf lantern shark fits in a human hand. Australian waters alone host around 180 species.
8. Sharks Play an Important Role in Reef Conservation
Sharks regulate mid-sized predators, helping smaller reef fish thrive and protect coral reefs. Studies in Western Australia found that healthier reefs had higher shark populations.
9. The Full Moon Influences Shark Behavior
Research on grey reef sharks indicates that moon phase, water temperature, and time of day affect diving behavior. Around full moons, sharks dive deeper and explore a wider range of depths.
10. Hammerhead Sharks Have Binocular Vision
The T-shaped hammerhead head enhances stereo vision and depth perception, allowing nearly 360-degree sight for improved hunting and navigation.
