Shark

A shark is a large, predatory fish known for its sharp teeth, streamlined body, and powerful swimming abilities. Sharks have been around for over 400 million years, making them one of the oldest creatures on Earth. There are over 500 different species of sharks, ranging in size from the tiny dwarf lanternshark (about the size of a pencil) to the enormous whale shark, which can grow to over 40 feet long.

Sharks are carnivores, meaning they eat meat. Their diet can include fish, seals, squid, and even smaller sharks, depending on the species. They have super-sensitive senses that help them locate prey.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Chondrichthyes

• Subclass: Elasmobranchii

• Order: Multiple (e.g. Carcharhiniformes, Lamniformes)

• Common Species: Carcharodon carcharias (Great White Shark)

 Common Names

Most people simply call them sharks, but different species have specific names like:

• Great White Shark

• Tiger Shark

• Hammerhead Shark

• Whale Shark

Geographic Distribution

Sharks are found in oceans all over the world, from tropical coral reefs to icy polar waters. Some even enter freshwater rivers.

Physical Characteristics

Sharks come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny dwarf lantern sharks (only a few inches long) to the whale shark, which can grow over 40 feet.

Key Features:

• Cartilaginous skeletons (no bones!)

• Streamlined bodies for fast swimming

• Multiple rows of sharp teeth

• Gills for underwater breathing

• Electroreception: They can sense the electric fields of prey.

Image Showing a  shark swimming through crystal-clear blue ocean water (Source: StockCake)

 Popular Species

1. Great White Shark

The most famous shark, known for its size and power.

Quick Facts

•  Found in temperate oceans

•  Can grow over 20 feet

•  Known for powerful jaws

• Eats seals, fish, and sea turtles

Image showing a great White Shark with jaws open (Source: StockCake)

2. Whale Shark

The largest shark, and the largest fish in the world.

Quick Facts

• Prefers warm tropical oceans

•  Can reach 40+ feet

•  Filter-feeder (eats plankton, not humans!)

•  Very docile and gentle

Image showing a whale shark swimming with a scuba diver nearby (Source: ZuBlu)

Fun Facts

• Sharks lose and regrow thousands of teeth in their lifetime

• They’ve been around for over 400 million years, older than dinosaurs.

• Some sharks can glow in the dark.

• Sharks don’t have swim bladders, they keep moving to stay afloat

• Not all sharks are big or dangerous, many are harmless bottom feeders

Human Relevance

Sharks are part of ocean’s food chain, keeping populations of fish healthy and in balance. However, many are feared unnecessarily due to myths and media. In reality, more people are injured by vending machines each year than by sharks.

Sadly, millions of sharks are killed yearly for their fins and meat, threatening the balance of marine ecosystems.

 Health & Veterinary Relevance

While veterinarians rarely treat sharks in private practice, aquatic vets and marine biologists do care for them in:

• Aquariums

• Conservation centers

• Wildlife rescue missions

They handle:

• Wound care

• Disease treatment

• Tagging and tracking for research

Image showing a vet team examining a shark in a marine lab  (Source: Te papa)

 Conservation Status

Many shark species are endangered or vulnerable due to:

• Overfishing

• Bycatch in nets

• Habitat loss

• Shark finning

Protected Species:

• Great White Shark

• Hammerhead Shark

• Oceanic Whitetip Shark

• Sawfish (a type of ray often mistaken for a shark)

Shark vs. Dolphin: What’s the Difference?

Image showing a peaceful reef shark gliding above colorful corals (Source: StockCake)

If you have questions about exotic or aquatic animals, you can reach out to us at Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital or call 08143397614.