Top 10 Largest Sharks on the Planet

Essential Facts

Sharks often receive an unfair reputation as mindless predators, with jokes about their love for the phrase, “Man overboard!” While humorous, it’s wise to maintain a healthy respect for these powerful creatures.

But is our deep-seated fear entirely justified? Are sharks really as terrifying as we think?

Indeed, sharks are apex predators with streamlined bodies and strong tails designed for swift movement. Capable of ambushing prey at speeds reaching 25 mph (40 kph), they can devour large meals in a single bite. These skilled hunters can detect blood from up to a quarter of a mile (0.4 kilometers) away and sense movement from distances of 330 feet (100 meters). However, they aren’t as vicious as often portrayed. Statistically, you’re more likely to be struck by lightning or bitten by another person than attacked by a shark.

Scientists have identified over 536 shark species, with new ones being discovered approximately twice a month. The smallest, the dwarf lanternshark, is so small at full size that it fits in a human hand. On the other end of the spectrum, some sharks are massive, inspiring fear and fascination in movies, TV shows, and songs, making many of us cautious galeophobic beachgoers.

Now, let’s explore the 10 largest sharks on Earth, ranked by their size.

1. Whale Shark

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest shark in the ocean. Despite their name, whale sharks are not whales but fish, and they hold the title of the largest fish species on Earth. These giants can reach lengths of up to 62 feet (19 meters), surpassing the length of a Greyhound bus by 22 feet (6.7 meters). Despite their size, they are harmless to humans, as they primarily filter feed on plankton, consuming large volumes of water to extract their food. They travel thousands of miles each year and inhabit warm waters globally. Unfortunately, the IUCN Red List classifies them as an Endangered species.

2. Basking Shark

The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), another filter feeder, is harmless to humans. Although smaller than the whale shark, it can grow up to 40 feet (12 meters) long, making it the second-largest shark species in the world.

3. Tiger Shark

Ranking as the third largest shark, the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), also known as the leopard shark, spotted shark, or maneater shark, can exceed 24 feet (7.3 meters) in length. Typically, they measure between 10 to 14 feet (3 to 4 meters) and weigh up to 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms). Capable of swimming at speeds of 20 mph (32 kph), their sharp, powerful teeth can easily crush a sea turtle's shell. Found in warm, tropical waters worldwide, they are classified as a Near Threatened species.

4. Great White Shark

Fourth on the list is the fearsome and iconic great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), famous both in movies and real life. Great whites, which can live over 70 years, are sleek apex predators capable of reaching speeds up to 43 mph (69 kph). Growing up to 23 feet (7 meters) long, they prefer feasting on dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea turtles, birds, or even carrion rather than humans.

5. Megamouth Shark

The megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios), also known as the big mouth shark, is a filter feeder that swims with its enormous mouth open to consume plankton, jellyfish, shrimp, and copepods. First identified in 1976, this rare deep-sea shark is seldom seen by humans. The largest recorded specimen measured 23 feet (7 meters), though its average length is estimated to be between 13 and 18 feet (4 and 5.4 meters). The heaviest megamouth shark weighed an impressive 2,679 pounds (1,215 kilograms). With glowing pores around its mouth and 50 rows of teeth on both jaws, this slow swimmer moves at a maximum speed of just 1.30 mph (2 kph). Its population remains unknown, and it is classified as Least Concern in terms of conservation.

6. Greenland Shark

The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus), often called the "Methuselah" of sharks, holds the record for the longest lifespan among vertebrates. Scientists estimate this slow-moving giant can live up to 500 years. Reaching lengths of up to 21 feet (6.4 meters), it doesn’t mate until around 150 years old, has a gestation period of 8 to 18 years, and can birth up to 10 pups. This carnivorous predator ambushes its prey, often attacking them while they sleep.

7. Thresher Shark

The thresher shark (Alopias) weighs between 500 and 1,000 pounds (226 and 553 kilograms) and can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) long, with a lifespan of 19 to 50 years. Found in temperate and tropical waters, it avoids cold Arctic regions. This omnivorous shark uses its long, whip-like tail to herd, stun, and kill prey, and it can leap higher than most marine animals. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is not aggressive and poses little danger to humans. This family includes only three species, all of which are vulnerable to extinction.

8. Great Hammerhead Shark

The great hammerhead shark (Sphyrnidae) has inhabited Earth's oceans for nearly 20 million years. Recognized for their distinctive rectangular heads, which provide a 360-degree field of vision, hammerheads thrive in warm coastal waters and along continental shelves. These giants, with gray-green to olive-green coloring and bright white undersides, can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) long. Females typically measure between 15 to 18 feet (4.5 to 5.4 meters), while males average around 12 feet (3.6 meters). Of the nine hammerhead species, the great hammerhead is the largest and potentially dangerous to humans. This ancient species is classified as Critically Endangered.

9. Bull Shark

Bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) derive their name from their short, blunt snouts and their habit of head-butting prey before striking. These unpredictable predators inhabit shallow tropical waters (less than 100 feet or 30 meters deep) and are known to venture far into freshwater rivers and lakes. They measure between 7 to 11 feet (2 to 3.3 meters) in length, weigh 200 to 500 pounds (91 to 227 kilograms), and can swim at speeds up to 25 mph (40 kph). They rank as the third most aggressive shark species toward humans, trailing only the tiger shark and great white.

10. Sand Tiger Shark

The sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus), also known as the ragged-toothed shark, is a generally docile species often seen gliding in circles in aquariums. Measuring between 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters) long, this cold-eyed predator can live up to 35 years and hunts near shorelines in shallow, temperate waters. Its diet includes bony fish, other sharks, crustaceans, squid, and rays. Due to overfishing, its conservation status is listed as Critically Endangered/Vulnerable.