Sharks are among the most fascinating and feared creatures in the ocean. They have been around for millions of years, evolving into diverse and specialized predators that can hunt, scavenge, or filter-feed on a variety of prey. Some sharks are harmless to humans, while others pose a serious threat if encountered in their natural habitat.
The Top 10 Deadliest Sharks in the World
In this article, we will rank the top 10 deadliest sharks in the world based on their recorded attacks on humans, their size, their behavior, and their distribution. We will also provide some tips on how to avoid or survive a shark attack, as well as some facts and myths about these amazing animals.
10: Bull Shark
The bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) is a large and aggressive shark that can grow up to 3.5 meters (11 feet) long and weigh up to 230 kilograms (500 pounds). It is named for its stocky body, blunt snout, and unpredictable temperament. The bull shark is one of the few sharks that can tolerate freshwater and often swims up rivers and estuaries, where it may encounter humans. It has a powerful bite force and can feed on fish, crustaceans, mammals, birds, and even other sharks. According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), the bull shark is responsible for 130 unprovoked attacks on humans, 27 of which were fatal.
9: Tiger Shark
The tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is a massive and voracious shark that can reach up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) long and weigh up to 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds). It is named for its dark stripes on its body, which fade as it matures. The tiger shark has a wide mouth with serrated teeth and can eat almost anything, including fish, turtles, seals, dolphins, birds, squid, sea snakes, garbage, and even car tires. It is also known as the “wastebasket of the sea”. The tiger shark is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical waters and often patrols nearshore areas, where it may encounter humans. According to the ISAF, the tiger shark is responsible for 144 unprovoked attacks on humans, 31 of which were fatal.
8: Great White Shark
The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is the largest predatory fish in the world and can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) long and weigh up to 2,250 kilograms (5,000 pounds). It is characterized by its conical snout, black eyes, and white belly. The great white shark has a powerful jaw with rows of serrated teeth and can deliver a devastating bite that can sever limbs or cause massive blood loss. It feeds mainly on fish, seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales, and carrion. It is found in temperate and subtropical waters around the world and often hunts near the surface or at the bottom of the sea. According to the ISAF, the great white shark is responsible for 348 unprovoked attacks on humans, 52 of which were fatal. It is also the most popular shark in media and culture, thanks to movies like Jaws.
7: Oceanic Whitetip Shark
The oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) is a large and pelagic shark that can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) long and weigh up to 170 kilograms (370 pounds). It is distinguished by its long pectoral fins with white tips, as well as its rounded dorsal fin with a white tip. The oceanic whitetip shark feeds on fish, squid, rays, turtles, seabirds, and occasionally mammals. It is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world and often roams far from land. It is considered one of the most dangerous sharks to humans because it is attracted to shipwrecks, plane crashes, or any other source of potential food in the open ocean. According to the ISAF, the oceanic whitetip shark is responsible for 15 unprovoked attacks on humans, but it may have been involved in many more incidents that were not recorded or attributed to other species.
6: Shortfin Mako Shark
The shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is a sleek and fast shark that can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) long and weigh up to 570 kilograms (1,260 pounds). It has a pointed snout, large eyes, and a metallic blue coloration on its back and sides. The shortfin mako shark is one of the fastest fish in the ocean and can swim up to 74 kilometers per hour (46 miles per hour). It feeds mainly on fish such as tuna, swordfish, mackerel, and bonito, as well as squid, dolphins, and sea turtles. It is found in temperate and tropical waters around the world and often leaps out of the water when pursuing prey or escaping predators. According to the ISAF, the shortfin mako shark is responsible for 12 unprovoked attacks on humans, 3 of which were fatal. It is also a prized game fish for sport anglers.
5: Sand Tiger Shark
The sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) is a large and bulky shark that can grow up to 3.2 meters (10.5 feet) long and weigh up to 160 kilograms (350 pounds). It has a flattened snout, small eyes, and a mouth full of protruding teeth that give it a fierce appearance. The sand tiger shark feeds on fish, rays, crustaceans, and occasionally sharks. It is found in temperate and tropical waters around the world and often inhabits coastal areas, reefs, bays, and estuaries. It is a slow-moving and docile shark that usually poses no threat to humans unless provoked or disturbed. According to the ISAF, the sand tiger shark is responsible for 29 unprovoked attacks on humans, none of which were fatal. It is also a popular attraction in public aquariums.
4: Hammerhead Shark
The hammerhead shark is a group of sharks that belong to the family Sphyrnidae. They are characterized by their distinctive hammer-shaped heads, which have eyes and nostrils at the ends of the lateral extensions. The hammerhead shark uses its head to scan the ocean floor for prey, such as fish, rays, crustaceans, and cephalopods. It also has electroreceptors that can detect the electric fields of living organisms. There are nine species of hammerhead sharks, ranging in size from 0.9 meters (3 feet) to 6 meters (20 feet) long. They are found in tropical and temperate waters around the world and often form large schools or migrate long distances. According to the ISAF, the hammerhead shark is responsible for 17 unprovoked attacks on humans, none of which were fatal. The most common species involved in attacks are the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) and the great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran).
3: Blue Shark
The blue shark (Prionace glauca) is a slender and graceful shark that can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) long and weigh up to 205 kilograms (450 pounds). It has a long snout, large eyes, and a deep blue coloration on its back and sides. The blue shark feeds on fish, squid, octopus, crustaceans, and occasionally seabirds and mammals. It is found in temperate and tropical waters around the world and often travels long distances across the ocean. It is considered one of the most abundant sharks in the world and one of the most exploited by fisheries. According to the ISAF, the blue shark is responsible for 34 unprovoked attacks on humans, 4 of which were fatal. It is also known to scavenge on human remains from shipwrecks or plane crashes.
2: Blacktip Shark
The blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) is a medium-sized shark that can grow up to 2.8 meters (9 feet) long and weigh up to 123 kilograms (270 pounds). It has a pointed snout, black tips on its fins, and a black stripe along its sides. The blacktip shark feeds on fish such as mullet, anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, and snapper, as well as squid, octopus, crabs, and shrimp. It is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world and often frequents shallow coastal areas, lagoons, bays, and estuaries. It is a fast-swimming and agile shark that can leap out of the water when chasing prey or escaping predators. According to the ISAF, the blacktip shark is responsible for 36 unprovoked attacks on humans, none of which were fatal. It is also a common target for recreational fishing.
1: Whitetip Reef Shark
The whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) is a small and slender shark that can grow up to 2.1 meters (7 feet) long and weigh up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds). It has a blunt snout, white tips on its dorsal and caudal fins, and a brownish-gray coloration with dark spots or stripes on its body. The whitetip reef shark feeds mainly on fish such as eels, wrasses, parrotfishes, surgeonfishes, damselfishes, triggerfishes, and groupers, as
well as crustaceans, mollusks, and sea snakes. It is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world and often inhabits coral reefs, where it rests during the day and hunts at night. It is a curious and bold shark that may approach divers or snorkelers, but usually poses no threat unless provoked or harassed. According to the ISAF, the whitetip reef shark is responsible for 6 unprovoked attacks on humans, 4 of which were fatal. However, these fatalities occurred during the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in 1945 and the Nova Scotia in 1942, when hundreds of sailors were stranded in the water for days and became prey for sharks. The whitetip reef shark is considered the most dangerous shark in these situations because it is attracted to low-frequency sounds and blood.
How to Avoid or Survive a Shark Attack
Shark attacks are rare and often result from mistaken identity, curiosity, or territorial defense. However, they can still happen and cause serious injuries or death. Here are some tips on how to avoid or survive a shark attack:
- Avoid swimming or surfing in areas where sharks are known to occur, especially at dawn, dusk, or night, when they are more active.
- Avoid swimming or surfing near river mouths, channels, or deep drop-offs, where sharks may congregate or hunt.
- Avoid swimming or surfing near schools of fish, seals, dolphins, or other prey animals that may attract sharks.
- Avoid wearing shiny jewelry, bright colors, or contrasting patterns that may resemble fish scales or catch the shark’s attention.
- Avoid splashing, kicking, or making sudden movements that may provoke or alarm the shark.
- If you see a shark, remain calm and do not panic. Try to maintain eye contact and slowly back away without turning your back. Do not swim towards the shark or try to touch it.
- If you are attacked by a shark, fight back with any weapon you have, such as a knife, spear, surfboard, or your fists. Aim for the eyes, gills, or snout, which are sensitive areas. Do not play dead or try to appease the shark.
- If you are bitten by a shark, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding and prevent infection.
Facts and Myths about Sharks
Sharks are often misunderstood and feared by humans due to their reputation as ruthless killers. However, sharks are also fascinating and important animals that play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. Here are some facts and myths about sharks:
- Fact: Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years, longer than dinosaurs and most other animals.
- Myth: Sharks have to keep moving to breathe. This is true for some species of sharks that rely on ram ventilation, such as the great white shark and the whale shark. However, other species of sharks can pump water over their gills by opening and closing their mouths, such as the nurse shark and the lemon shark.
- Fact: Sharks have an excellent sense of smell and can detect one drop of blood in a million drops of water.
- Myth: Sharks can smell fear. This is not true because fear is an emotion that does not produce any chemical signals that sharks can detect. However, sharks can sense vibrations and electric fields from muscle movements and heartbeats of their prey.
- Fact: Sharks have several rows of teeth that are constantly replaced throughout their lives. Some sharks can have up to 50,000 teeth in their lifetime.
- Myth: Sharks eat humans. This is not true because humans are not part of their natural diet and do not provide enough calories or nutrients for them. Most shark attacks on humans are cases of mistaken identity or curiosity bites that do not result in consumption.
- Fact: Sharks are endangered by human activities such as overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Some species of sharks have declined by more than 90% in the past few decades.
- Myth: Sharks are mindless killing machines. This is not true because sharks are intelligent and complex animals that have different personalities, behaviors, and social structures. Some sharks can learn from experience, cooperate with each other, recognize individuals, and even show emotions.
Conclusion
Sharks are amazing creatures that deserve our respect and admiration. They are not monsters that want to harm us, but rather predators that follow their instincts and adapt to their environment. They are also vital for maintaining the balance and health of the ocean ecosystem. By learning more about them and protecting them from threats, we can coexist peacefully with them and appreciate their beauty and diversity.
10 Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: What is the biggest shark in the world? A: The biggest shark in the world is the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), which can grow up to 12 meters (40 feet) long and weigh up to 21 tons (47,000 pounds). It is a filter-feeder that eats plankton, krill, fish eggs, and small fish. It is found in tropical and warm-temperate waters around the world and is harmless to humans.
Q: What is the smallest shark in the world? A: The smallest shark in the world is the dwarf lanternshark (Etmopterus perryi), which can grow up to 21 centimeters (8 inches) long and weigh up to 0.2 kilograms (0.4 pounds). It has bioluminescent organs that emit light to attract prey or mates. It is found in deep waters of the Caribbean Sea and the western Atlantic Ocean and is rarely seen by humans.
Q: What is the fastest shark in the world? A: The fastest shark in the world is the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), which can swim up to 74 kilometers per hour (46 miles per hour). It is a pelagic shark that feeds on fish such as tuna, swordfish, mackerel, and bonito, as well as squid, dolphins, and sea turtles. It is found in temperate and tropical waters around the world and often leaps out of the water when pursuing prey or escaping predators.
Q: What is the most endangered shark in the world? A: The most endangered shark in the world is the sawfish (Pristis spp.), which is a type of ray with a long snout lined with teeth that resembles a saw. It uses its snout to slash and stun its prey, such as fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. It is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world and often inhabits coastal areas, rivers, and estuaries. It is critically endangered by habitat loss, overfishing, bycatch, and illegal trade of its fins and snouts.
Q: What is the most common shark in the world? A: The most common shark in the world is the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), which can grow up to 1.6 meters (5 feet) long and weigh up to 9 kilograms (20 pounds). It has two spines on its dorsal fins that can inject venom as a defense mechanism. It feeds on fish, squid, octopus, crabs, shrimp, and jellyfish. It is found in temperate and subarctic waters around the world and often forms large schools or migrates long distances.
Q: What is the oldest shark in the world? A: The oldest shark in the world is the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus), which can