Buzz
Though most sharks are non-threatening, just the thought of them is enough to make many of us uneasy. Swimming at the beach has never been quite the same since the release of the iconic movie *Jaws*. This list features ten sharks that stand out for their unique appearances, remarkable abilities, or rare traits within the animal kingdom. If you know of other extraordinary sharks, feel free to share them in the comments.
10. Great White Shark
The great white shark is an enormous lamniform species, commonly found in the coastal surface waters of all major oceans. These sharks can grow over 20 feet in length and weigh as much as 4,938 pounds, making them some of the largest predatory fish known to science. As the only remaining species of its genus, the great white is infamous, largely due to the portrayal in Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel *Jaws* and the 1975 film directed by Steven Spielberg. Although they have been involved in human fatalities, great white sharks generally do not hunt humans. For instance, in the Mediterranean Sea, there have been 31 verified attacks on humans over the past two centuries, but only a few resulted in death. Many attacks seem to be cases of the shark 'test-biting' out of curiosity.
9. Cow Shark
Cow sharks are regarded as the most ancient of all shark species, as their skeletal structure closely resembles that of long-extinct forms, with minimal modern features. Their excretory and digestive systems are similarly unspecialized, which hints at their resemblance to early shark ancestors. The most notable characteristic of these sharks, however, is the presence of a sixth gill slit, and occasionally even a seventh, in addition to the five gills that all other sharks possess.
8. Zebra Shark
The zebra shark is a type of carpet shark. Adult zebra sharks are easily recognizable by their five long ridges running along their cylindrical bodies, a small caudal fin that makes up almost half of their total length, and a pattern of dark spots against a pale background. By day, zebra sharks tend to be sluggish, often resting on the ocean floor, sometimes using their pectoral fins to prop themselves up, facing into the current with their mouths open to assist with breathing. These gentle, slow-moving creatures are harmless to humans and can be approached easily underwater. However, they have been known to bite divers who grab their tails or try to ride them. As of 2008, there is one documented case of an unprovoked attack in the International Shark Attack File, but no injuries were reported.
7. Frilled Shark
The frilled shark is often referred to as a living fossil, resembling a grotesque giant eel, yet it is a true shark. On January 21, 2007, fishermen alerted staff at Awashima Marine Park in Shizuoka, Japan, about a 'strange eel-like creature with razor-sharp teeth.' The creature was identified as a 1.6-meter pregnant frilled shark. Concerned for its health, the park staff captured the shark and placed it in a saltwater tank, where they filmed and photographed it. Sadly, the shark died a few hours after being captured. Known as a living fossil, the frilled shark is considered an ancient species, having changed little over millennia. It was thought to be extinct until it was spotted again in modern Japan.
6. Leopard Shark
The leopard shark is a type of houndshark found along the Pacific coastline of North America, from Oregon in the U.S. to Mazatlán in Mexico. Typically growing between 3.9 to 4.9 feet long, this slender shark is easily recognized by its distinctive pattern of black saddle-like markings and large spots across its back, which gives it its name. Leopard sharks are often seen in large groups in bays and estuaries, swimming over sandy, muddy, or rocky seafloors near kelp forests and reefs. They usually inhabit shallow waters less than 13 feet deep. Although cautious and quick to flee from danger, these sharks pose minimal risk to humans. There is one incident from 1955 where a leopard shark was reported to have harassed a skin diver with a nosebleed, but no injuries occurred. While the meat is prized for its taste, leopard sharks living in areas affected by human development may accumulate pollutants such as mercury and pesticides.
5. Cookiecutter Shark
The cookiecutter shark is a small, elusive dogfish species. Although it is the tiniest shark on this list, its distinctive feeding behavior earns it a spot. The shark's name comes from its method of extracting small, circular chunks of flesh and skin, similar to the shape of a cookie cutter, from large fish and cetaceans, including other sharks. It is believed that the cookiecutter shark uses its suctorial lips and modified throat to latch onto much larger prey, then rotates its body to make a perfectly circular cut. Considered a parasitic species, cookiecutter sharks often target hosts like the Megamouth shark. These sharks are also attracted to underwater electrical cables, often leaving round bite marks on them. There has been one suspected case of a cookiecutter shark attacking a human.
4. Whale Shark
The whale shark, scientifically known as Rhincodon typus, is a slow-moving filter feeder and holds the title of the largest living fish. Growing up to 40 feet in length and weighing as much as 15 short tons, these gentle giants inhabit tropical and warm oceans. They reside in the open sea and can live for about 70 years. Believed to have first appeared around 60 million years ago, the whale shark is a fascinating species. Despite its massive size, it poses no serious threat to humans and is often used to debunk the misconception of sharks being 'man-eaters.' Rather, whale sharks are known for their gentle nature and even display playful behavior with divers. Swimmers and snorkelers can enjoy the experience of swimming alongside these enormous creatures without fear, though there is always the possibility of being unintentionally struck by the shark’s large tail.
3. Goblin Shark
The goblin shark is a deep-sea dwelling species with a highly unusual head structure. Its most notable feature is its long, trowel-shaped rostrum or snout, which is far longer than the snouts of most other sharks. Additionally, its body is mostly pink, and it has long, extendable jaws. The goblin shark hunts by detecting prey with electro-sensitive organs located in its snout, a crucial adaptation for navigating the pitch-black waters of its deep-sea environment. When it detects its prey, the shark rapidly extends its jaws forward, using a tongue-like muscle to suck the prey into its sharp teeth. As shown in the image, the goblin shark has one of the most distinct and intimidating appearances of any shark.
2. Hammerhead Shark
Hammerhead sharks are a group of sharks recognized by the unique, flattened shape of their heads, which are laterally extended into a 'hammer' shape, referred to as a 'cephalofoil.' This unusual head structure places their eyes and nostrils at the tips of the extensions. The hammerhead’s head shape was once believed to help the shark locate food, improving its ability to maneuver in tight spaces and allowing for sharp turns without losing stability. In 2007, scientists discovered that hammerhead sharks can reproduce asexually through a rare process known as parthenogenesis, a type of reproduction in which the egg develops without the need for fertilization, similar to the way some social insects reproduce. Of the nine known hammerhead species, three are considered potentially dangerous to humans: the scalloped, great, and smooth hammerheads.
1. Megamouth Shark
The megamouth shark is an exceptionally rare deepwater species. Since its discovery in 1976, only a handful of megamouth sharks have been spotted, with 44 individuals recorded by 2009 and only three instances captured on film. Similar to the basking shark and whale shark, it feeds by filtering plankton and jellyfish from the water through its massive mouth. What sets the megamouth shark apart is its large, rubbery lips and distinctive head. Its unique characteristics are so different from other sharks that it has been placed in its own distinct family.
