Incredible Sharks of the World l Our Breathing Planet

We hope that you enjoy reading and learning from this article on the Incredible Sharks of the World. These magnificent creatures have fascinated, and often terrified, mankind throughout history. Yet, just as with all creatures, no two species are exactly alike.

These animals often play pivotal roles in their habitats, thus making them a vital link in the chain of life that Nature has created. Read on, and discover some of the seemingly endless variety among these powerful denizens of the seas and oceans of the world.

Blue Shark

Blue Shark Facts

Heading off our list of Incredible Sharks of the World is the wonderful Blue Shark, which fascinates man for a unique reason.
This marvelous creature ranks as the only known variety of shark that experts actually call (comparatively, of course) docile. In fact, since the year 1580, reports indicate only 13 shark attacks involving the Blue Shark.
Sadly for the animal, however, it remains one of the most widely fished sharks in any ocean. Though its flesh seems technically edible, humans rarely consume it.
Fishermen catch 20 million individuals of this species each year, with the flesh being principally used for fishmeal.
Despite this terrible fact, the species still does not appear to be endangered. The reason is that, thankfully, it reproduces in vast numbers.

Blue Shark Physical Description

True to its name, the Blue Shark boasts a deep blue color on the upper body. Its sides display a lighter shade of blue, and the belly also typically shows white.

Like many related species, the animal also displays moderate sexual dimorphism, with the females being slightly larger than the males.

The male Blue Shark attains lengths of up to 9.3 ft (2.8 m), while the somewhat larger female only reaches 10.8 ft (3.3 m).

Not only do the females grow larger in this amazing species, they literally have thicker skin (3 times as thick to be exact).

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Family: Carcharhinidae
Genus: Prionace
Species: P. glauca

Blue Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Most notably, the Blue Shark lives in most temperate and tropical regions, usually in deep water, at depths of as much as 1,150 ft (350 m).

This remarkable ocean creature also migrates enormous distances, sometimes as far as from New England, in the United States, to South America.

The animal also evolved a unique mating ritual in which the male repeatedly bites the female. This serves as the reason she evolved thicker skin for self-defense.

It evolved as a viviparous creature, so often gives birth to as many as 100 live young at one time. Its precise lifespan remains undetermined but estimates put it at 20 years.

This species feeds primarily on a variety of squid, but will also prey on other invertebrates such as lobsters, shrimp, cuttlefish, and crabs. Larger types of sharks form its only known natural predators.

Spinner Shark

Spinner Shark Facts

Next on our list of Incredible Sharks of the World is the acrobatic Spinner Shark, a remarkable creature.
This species names a medium-sized species of requiem shark that has become quite popular with spectators for its acrobatics.
Its common name comes from its unique feeding strategy since the species typically feed on schools of small fish. When it attacks its prey, the Spinner Shark swims vertically through the school with a spinning motion.
The species has also become popular for its tendency to leap completely out of the water at times which makes for a really beautiful sight.
Relative to its size, this amazing animal represents one of the swiftest and most gregarious predators in any ocean. The fish does not typically pose a threat to humans unless the individual is in a feeding frenzy, however.
The IUCN currently lists the species Near Threatened, and may soon raise that to Threatened.

Spinner Shark Physical Description

The adult Spinner Shark sometimes attains a length of as much as 10 ft (3 m). However, roughly 6.4 ft (2 m) serves as a more common length.

Also, an average weight equals about 123 lb (56 kg) for adults. The body shape stays extremely slim and streamlined, and the rather distinctive snout grows elongated and pointed.

The upper teeth are highly serrated while the lower teeth are smooth. The eyes remain rather small and circular in shape.

The body of the Spinner Shark is covered with a dense layer of dermal denticles. The color pattern is typically gray above, and white below. The gill slits grow comparatively long for a shark of its size.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Family: Carcharhinidae
Genus: Carcharhinus
Species: C. brevipinna

Spinner Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The amazing Spinner Shark most commonly inhabits specific regions within most of the world’s oceans.

In the Atlantic, it lives on the east coast of the United States to the northern Gulf of Mexico as well as from northern Africa to Namibia.

In the Indian Ocean, the Spinner Shark inhabits the area from South Africa to Madagascar and Sumatra, and from Japan to the Philippines in the Pacific.

It also prefers to inhabit the shallower depths of the ocean or between the surface and depths of no more than 330 ft (100 m). The Spinner Shark even inhabits the shallow waters up to and including the surf of a shoreline.

Carolina Hammerhead Shark

Carolina Hammerhead Shark Facts

The next amazing creature on our list of Incredible Sharks of the World is the rare and little known Carolina Hammerhead Shark.
This amazing species represents yet another newly discovered species. The first confirmed discovery of this shark occurred in November 2013.
Scientists’ common name for this surprising new variety of shark derives from the location where it was discovered.
The scientific name of the rarely seen and only recently identified species, however, officially lists as Sphyrna gilbertis.
We apologize for posting a photo of a deceased creature, but this species remains so new to science that only a few photos currently remain available.
Obviously, very little confirmed information exists at this time, also.
Yet, this newly recognized species happens to be nearly identical in appearance to another type of shark, the Scalloped Hammerhead.

Carolina Hammerhead Shark Physical Description

Like many types of shark, the Carolina Hammerhead Shark appears to display a rather marked degree of sexual dimorphism. Researchers also believe males attain a length of roughly 5.9 ft (1.8 m), while the larger females reach 8.2 ft 92,5 m).

The shark only appears physically distinguishable from other species of hammerheads by the number of vertebrae, however. Only 56 individuals have been observed since the animal’s discovery, yet none of these included adult specimens.

Experts also currently estimate that the creature attains a maximum adult length of about 11 ft (3.3 m). Its adult weight likely reaches about 400 lb (181 kg).

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Family: Sphymidae
Genus: Sphyrna
Species: S. gilberti

Carolina Hammerhead Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The full extent of the range of the Carolina Hammerhead Shark presently remains uncertain but it may also exist in other warm climates as well. If its numbers remain few, it would explain why it has never observed elsewhere.

The discovery of the shark occurred in the ocean waters a short distance off the coast of South Carolina, in the United States, in North America.

Although researchers cannot yet be certain, the creature appears to inhabit the relatively shallow ocean waters near the mainland.

In addition, the newly identified species also appears to give birth to its pups in small estuaries along the shoreline. This makes the young quite vulnerable.

The IUCN does not yet have a classification on this creature, presumably due to lack of sufficient data.

Bull Shark

Bull Shark Facts

Next on our list of Incredible Sharks of the World is the amazing Bull Shark, well-known among its peers.
Firstly, experts best know the appropriately named shark for its aggressive nature. In fact, this species appears responsible for the majority of shark attacks worldwide.
It also is one of the best-known types of requiem shark. This ocean dweller is also highly adaptable to environmental conditions.
In fact, it is one of the few saltwater sharks actually capable of living in freshwater for extended periods of time.
It is also deceptively powerful. Relative to body mass, this apex predator has the most powerful bite of any known cartilaginous fish.
Sadly, for a variety of reasons, the IUCN now lists this magnificent species as Near Threatened.

Bull Shark Physical Description

Though not overly large, the body of the Bull Shark is relatively stout in design. A slight degree of sexual dimorphism is also present in this variety of Requiem Shark.

The females average about 7.9 ft (2.4 m) in length and about 290 lb (130 kg) in weight. The males grow slightly smaller in size and commonly attain a length of roughly 7.4 ft (2.25 m), and weight of 210 lb (95 kg).

Its coloring is also typically a light gray on top, and white on the underbelly. This is an evolutionary adaptation not shared by most sharks and which provides it with natural camouflage.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Family: Carcharhinidae
Genus: Carcharhinus
Species: C. leucas

Bull Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The Bull Shark is common throughout the warm oceans of the world. Unfortunately for humans, it also lives in many rivers and lakes. In the ocean, individuals prefer quite shallow areas near coastlines and rarely inhabit depths of more than 490 ft (150 m).

Some individuals have also even been spotted as far inland as 2,500 mi (4,000 km) along the length of the Amazon River.

As with other sharks, the Bull Shark is an opportunistic hunter. It typically hunts alone, however. Its principal prey is bony fish, but it will also consume turtles, dolphins, birds, terrestrial mammals, and even other small sharks.

This magnificent animal represents an apex predator within its habitat and has few natural predators itself. Its principal threats come from commercial fishing, however.

Megamouth Shark

Megamouth Shark Facts

Placing fifth on our list of Incredible Sharks of the World, the Megamouth Shark never fails to amaze us.
The quite impressive animal represents a type of deep-water shark that continues to be considered extremely rare.
Science did not discover this creature until 1976, and, to date, we have only seen or found 60 individuals.
Understandably, researchers have very little information about it. Therefore, the IUCN currently lists the species as Data Insufficient.
Sadly, we simply do not know much about its numbers and we know even less about its biology. Consequently, part of what we think we know about it remains based entirely on extrapolation.
However, it appears quite unlike any other type of known shark and scientists therefore usually classify it as the only extant member of the Megachasmidae family.

Megamouth Shark Physical Description

The remarkable Megamouth Shark attains a maximum length of 18 ft (5.5 m), and weights of as much as 2,679 lb (1,215 kg). That’s big but it’s actually the smallest of the three known varieties of filter-feeding sharks.

In color, individuals also typically display a dark brown on the upper portion while the underside shows an off-white.

Most noteworthy remains the over-sized mouth, where the numerous teeth grow small and rounded. Especially relevant seems to be the presence of photophores around the outside of the mouth.

In addition, the interior of the gills contains numerous gill rakers which filter the food from the water.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Lamniformes
Family: Megachasmidae
Genus: Megachasma
Species: M. pelagios

Megamouth Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Firstly, the Megamouth Shark appears to inhabit nearly all tropical oceans but only within a very specific depth range of 39-520 ft (12-160 m). Evidence indicates that it also migrates through this range.

Though rather poor and slow swimmers, it has no need to hurry. As filter-feeders, individuals swim with the huge mouth wide open.

It seems that most inhabit deeper regions by day and move to shallower ones by night. Perhaps these follow the movements of food. Its diet appears to consist solely of plankton and small jellyfish.

The shark, just like most others, also possesses an ovoviviparous nature.

If a creature this big has remained undiscovered for so long, what other monsters does nature still hide from us?

Great White Shark

Great White Shark Facts

Next, on our list of Incredible Sharks of the World, the amazing Great White Shark is likely the best known of all.
Firstly, this astonishing creature represents a species of large shark inhabiting nearly all oceans. It also remains one of the oceans primary apex predators.
This incredibly efficient hunter also has no known predators of its own, except for rare attacks by orcas when other, easier prey cannot be found.
It also exemplifies a fast and far-ranging hunter. It can reach speeds of as much as 35 mph (56 kph) and depths of as much as 3,900 ft (1,200 m).
For a variety of reasons, the IUCN also currently lists this terrifying, but nonetheless majestic creature as Vulnerable.

Great White Shark Physical Description

The rather impressive Great White Shark remains the most easily recognizable of the Incredible Sharks of the World.

It attains a maximum known length of 20 ft (6 m) and weighs as much as roughly 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg). Reports of larger individuals occur but remain undocumented.

Most commonly it appears grayish in color on the top part of its body and white underneath. Like many species of sharks, the Great White has multiple rows of teeth.

Like all sharks, it also possesses a special sensory organ which allows it to detect the electromagnetic fields generated by the movement of living animals.

In this species, this sense seems to be rather especially acute, allowing it to detect a field of half a billionth volt. This represents less than that generated by the beating of a human heart.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Lamniformes
Family: Lamnidae
Genus: Carcharodon
Species: C. carcharias

Great White Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The astonishing Great White Shark also inhabits virtually all temperate and tropical waters. It most commonly appears in coastal and offshore areas, however, at depths of as much as 1000 ft (300 m).

Yet, this mesmerizing hunter also often hunts at far greater depths in the open ocean.

The greatest known concentration of its numbers occurs in the waters off the coast of South Africa, in Africa.

Its lifespan also averages 25-30 years. It remains quite famous for being a highly aggressive predator and feeding on a wide variety of prey. This includes tuna, dolphins, seals, sea turtles, sea otters, and even marine birds.

Longnose Sawshark

Longnose Sawshark Facts

Now, on our list of Incredible Sharks of the World, we come to the visually distinctive Longnose Sawshark.
This marvelous fish is an ocean species with a highly distinctive appearance. Fortunately, it poses no threat to humans. In fact, it is the other way around. Human activities are a threat to its existence, like a great many other creatures.
Unlike most other sharks, they often form small schools, most likely for the purpose of communal hunting.
Also, the Longnose Sawshark is commercially fished within its habitat range. Fortunately, and surprisingly, it is under protection in most parts of its endemic territory.
Combined with its extreme rate of reproduction, this has served to maintain its numbers at acceptable levels. For this reason, the IUCN has listed it as a Species of Least Concern.

Longnose Sawshark Physical Description

The rather distinctively formed Longnose Sawshark is a relatively small species of shark and attains a maximum known length of only 4.5 ft (1.4 m). In fact, the average size is perhaps 80% of this length.

The body grows quite stocky in proportion, especially relative to others of its kind. The long and extraordinarily formed rostrum comprises about a third of its body length.

There are also barbels attached to the saws which are principally a pale yellow to grayish brown in color on the dorsal portion.

The ventral portion is generally a darkish white. Also, faint dark patches are often present on the creature’s back.

The rostrum, popular as the saw, is covered in specialized cells that enable it to detect the electric field of its prey.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Pristiophoriformes
Family: Pristiophoridae
Genus: Pristiophorus
Species: P. cirratus

Longnose Sawshark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The Longnose Sawshark is native to a restricted portion of the Indian Ocean. Individuals may also be present near Tasmania and southern Australia. Primarily, this species inhabits the local continental shelf region.

Individuals spend the majority of their time at depths ranging from between 130-1,020 ft (40-310 m). On occasion, however, some will venture into estuaries and bays. However, most prefer to inhabit areas of gravel or sandy ocean bottom, within 480 ft (146 m) of the shoreline.

This fascinating creature is a highly active predator and its principal prey consists of small fish and crustaceans.

This fish is also ovoviviparous in nature. Mating occurs every other year and as many as 19 young may be birthed at a single time. There’s that prodigious reproductive rate we mentioned above.

Finally, its average lifespan, however, is only about 15 years.

Thresher Shark

Thresher Shark Facts

This astonishing entry on our list of Incredible Sharks of the World goes by the name of he Thresher Shark.
This amazing type of shark has a distinctly unique physical appearance that makes it easily recognizable. This holds true because the caudal fin grows to lengths proportionately far greater than other species of shark. In fact, it often attains virtually the same length as the body itself.
Marine biologists suspect the possibility of the existence of a fourth species of Thresher Shark. Yet they remain uncertain, due to a lack of sufficient evidence. So far only one specimen has been discovered, thus scientists cannot officially confirm the existence of a fourth species.
As members of the Lamniforme order, its body temperature remains higher than the water around it. This separates the creature from the great majority of other sharks. Finally, the three species in this genus include the Pelagic Thresher, the Bigeye Thresher, and the Common Thresher.
Most notably, the IUCN currently lists all three as Vulnerable.

Thresher Shark Physical Description

While the three known distinct species of Thresher Shark vary slightly in appearance, the general appearance remains the same.

The different species range in maximum length from 10 ft (3 m) to 20 ft (6.1 m). Maximum weights for the different species vary quite significantly, with the largest reaching 1,100 lb (500 kg).

Color also varies and includes gray, brown, blue, and even purplish. While the caudal fin grows large, the head remains relatively short, and the nose presents as somewhat cone-shaped.

Meanwhile, both the mouth and teeth remain rather small. Yet the oversized caudal fin ranks as the most noteworthy physical characteristic of the species.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Lamniformes
Family: Alopiidae
Genus: Alopias

Thresher Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Most notably, the Thresher Shark inhabits all temperate and tropical oceans. Yet within that range, individuals generally only inhabit a specific portion of the ocean.

Only occasionally will it venture into shallow waters near shore, usually in search of prey. That’s because the animal generally inhabits the pelagic zone of its area of ocean. Regions far from shore, and extending no deeper than 1,600 ft (500 m) comprise its typical habitat.

This species also primarily preys on such creatures as bluefish, squid, mackerel, and cuttlefish. Yet individuals will occasionally consume crustaceans and even seabirds. These often employ their enormous caudal fin to stun the prey by slapping the surface of the water.

The fish lives a primarily solitary life, yet will sometimes form small groups for hunting, however.

Pocket Shark

Pocket Shark Facts

The next species on our list of Incredible Sharks of the World, the Pocket Shark, ranks as one of the rarest species on Earth.
We regret the necessity of using images of deceased creatures. We only do so because these remain among the only photos of the ocean dweller ever published, as of the writing of this article.
This diminutive ocean creature also represents a species of kitefin shark.
As a result of this recent discovery, this creature truly represents one of our ocean’s rarest finds. Hence, its IUCN status also quite understandably lists as Data Deficient.
However, the evolutionary purpose of the unique physical feature for which the diminutive shark was named remains a mystery.

Pocket Shark Physical Description

Most notably, the Pocket Shark derives its name from the unique presence of a pouch of skin next to each of its front fins. Also, the pockets grow relatively large, covering roughly 4 percent of the body of the animal.

One specimen measured about 16 in (40 cm) in length, with the second one being roughly 5.5 in (14 cm) long. The theory is that the pouches may secrete either pheromones or glowing fluid, to aid in vision.

The overall body shape also remains principally cylindrical. The coloring of the only individuals ever seen was essentially pure black.

The mouth also contains a large number of small but razor-sharp teeth.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Squaliformes
Family: Dalatiidae
Genus: Mollisquama
Species: M. parini

Pocket Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Only two individuals of the rather unusual Pocket Shark have ever been found. So, virtually nothing definitive is certain about the species, for the moment. What little we do know comes from the discovery and examination of these two individuals.

The first was discovered in 1977, off the coast of Chile, in South America. The second individual – in 2010, off the coast of Louisiana, United States, in North America.

However, both specimens were living at depths of roughly 1,000 ft (300 m).

Consequently, we currently know nothing for certain about the diet, biology, or behavior patterns of the Pocket Shark.

Cookiecutter Shark

Cookiecutter Shark Facts

The next remarkable species on our list of Incredible Sharks of the World is the impressive Cookiecutter Shark.
This astounding animal is a small but quite remarkable variety of dogfish shark, with some unique characteristics.
The name of this shark comes from its way of feeding. Individuals actually gouge small round plugs of flesh out of the prey. This wound appears as if cut by a cookie cutter, hence the name.
Due to its wide distribution, the IUCN lists it as a Species of Least Concern. It also has no commercial value to fishermen and thankfully does not seem to be overly susceptible to commercial fishing methods.

Cookiecutter Shark Physical Description

The Cookiecutter Shark remains an extremely small species of shark. The maximum recorded length of any individual was 22 in (56 cm).

It also has an elongated body, with a bulbous snout. The eyes grow rather large and sit more forward than among most types of sharks.

The upper teeth develop small and narrow, and the lower teeth grow rather larger, wider, and knife-like.

This animal is also predominantly a chocolate brown in color. Additionally, the shark also possesses photophores covering most of its underside which create a bright green glow.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Squaliformes
Family: Dalatiidae
Genus: Isistius
Species: I. brasiliensis

Cookiecutter Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Though it lives in all warm waters, the Cookiecutter Shark is most common in waters where the temperature is between 64-79 F (18-26C). In warmer years, this sometimes extends its range as far as California, in the United States, in North America.

Individuals also live as extremely deep dwellers. During the day most are found at depths of as much as 2.3 mi (3.7 km). At night most rise closer to the surface, yet typically remain below 280 ft (85 m). However, some will occasionally rise all the way to the surface.

Attacks on humans are rare but do occur, however. The shark preys upon virtually any creature, although smaller prey it swallows whole. Larger victims suffer the circular wounds from which its common name derives.

Greenland Shark

Greenland Shark Facts

The eleventh entry on our list of Incredible Sharks of the World is the mind-boggling species known as the Greenland Shark.
This astounding fish is an extremely large species of shark endemic to a rather harsh range. In fact, its range reaches the farthest north of any known type of shark.
The species also evolved numerous biological adaptations. As the only true sub-arctic shark, many of these adaptations occurred due to its environment.
This amazing animal remains closely related to the Pacific Sleeper Shark and also holds the unique distinction of possessing the most highly poisonous flesh of any known species of shark.
In addition, this creature is also the longest-lived of all known vertebrates, with some individuals living for up to 400 years.

Greenland Shark Physical Description

The Greenland Shark is one of the largest existing varieties of shark. Individuals attain an average length of as much as 21 ft (6.4 m) with weights reaching an average of 2,200 lb (1,000 kg).

Exceptional individuals, however, reach up to 24 ft (7.3 m) in length, and 3,100 lb (1,400 kg). Displaying moderate sexual dimorphism, the males of this species generally stay smaller than the females.

The species possesses a short, rounded snout, small eyes, and comparatively small fins. Its coloring ranges from pale gray to black or brown, and some individuals display streaks or spots on the back.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Squaliformes
Family: Somniosidae
Genus: Somniosus
Species: S. macrocephalus

Greenland Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The incredible Greenland Shark inhabits most of the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Its numbers appear to be greatest in the regions of Greenland, Canada, and Iceland, however.

Within its environment, the shark is an apex predator which predominantly feeds upon small fish. It will also sometimes consume marine mammals, such as seals.

Yet this remains rather rare as the shark is quite lethargic, with a maximum registered speed of only 1.6 mph (2.6 kph). It will also feed on carrion when the opportunity presents itself.

Some individuals do occasionally come to the surface, but generally, prefer deep water – even as deep as 7,200 ft (2,200 m).

Goblin Shark

Goblin Shark Facts

And the next, but certainly not least, entry on our list of Incredible Sharks of the World is the bizarre-seeming Goblin Shark.
This truly remarkable creature represents an extremely rare species of deep-sea shark. Its most distinctive feature also remains the unique shape of its head and teeth.
Very little reliable information exists concerning this astonishing creature, primarily found in the waters of Asia, however. Yet what data does exist continues to amaze researchers.
Interestingly enough, based on the ages of observed specimens and the depths at which these were found, it appears that the older sharks prefer to inhabit deeper waters than the younger individuals.
In addition, the strange pinkish hue of its skin does not derive from pigmentation. Rather, it occurs due to the fact that the outer layer of its skin is transparent, allowing one to view the oxygenated blood flowing through its veins.

Goblin Shark Physical Decsription

The highly unusual Goblin Shark averages roughly 10 ft (3.1 m) in length, yet a few exceptional specimens reach 11 ft (3.5 m).

This data remains questionable to most researchers, however, since one apparently exceptional specimen reached a length of 20 ft (6.2 m).

Most notably, the odd structure of its teeth and snout remain its most distinctive features. The snout develops rather elongated and quite flattened, which gives the snout a blade-like appearance.

The teeth also develop quite long, slender, and extremely sharp. Ironically, the jaws remain relatively soft and delicate, however.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Lamniformes
Family: Mitsukurinidae
Genus: Mitsukurina
Species: M. owstoni

Goblin Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The Goblin Shark appears to be present throughout the oceans of the world, but most commonly lives in the waters near Japan. Though it appears to be quite rare, its numbers seem to be stable, thus the IUCN currently lists it as a Species of Least Concern.

It inhabits depths of 130 – 3,940 ft (40 m to 1,200 m), yet the majority of individuals either seen or captured have been caught at depths of 200 – 920 ft (60 m to 280 m).

Its exact diet remains undetermined, yet it appears to be an opportunistic feeder, taking any prey of appropriate size native to the area it inhabits.

To date, only about 45 individuals have ever been observed. So, the fact that scientists have little information about this creature occurs because of its rarity. Also due to this fact, few quality photos of live specimens exist.

Japanese Angelshark

The thirteenth species in our listing of Incredible Sharks of the World is the truly fascinating Japanese Angelshark.
Most notably, the fascinating creature represents a particular species of angelshark with a very specific habitat range. Though of a moderate size, it rarely forms a danger to humans. That’s because it rarely becomes aggressive to humans unless provoked.
Further, the Dutch ichthyologist Pieter Bleeker first described this animal as a separate species in 1858. Evidence indicates that the species developed around 100 million years ago. However, like many creatures, it now finds itself facing the danger of potential extinction.
This holds true due to the fact that the actions of humans significantly reduced the population of the once plentiful animal. It remains a popular target for both private and commercial fishing. Commercial fishermen catch it both for its meat and as a source of a leather-like material known as shagreen.
Because of this ongoing activity, along with its reduced numbers, the IUCN now lists it as Vulnerable. However, it also faces other serious threats to its continued existence. Combined with its reduced population, climate change and habitat loss now leave its continued survival in doubt.

Japanese Angelshark Physical Description

First of all, the remarkable and fascinating Japanese Angelshark represents a moderate to small variety of shark. Also, like the majority of related species, this awesome creature displays no noticeable degree of sexual dimorphism.

Additionally, mature individuals attain radically different maximum lengths. That’s because studied adults range in overall size from 4.9 – 8.2 ft (1.5 – 2.5 m). Also, as can easily be seen, the creature has a highly flattened body shape.

Its upper surface displays various shades of brown, running from light to dark. It also has a thick pattern of roughly square-shaped dark spots. These gradually become smaller as they approach the outside edges of the upper body. Meanwhile, the lower surface of the animal is white with dark blotches.

It also has several very distinctive features. Firstly, both its pectoral and pelvic fins develop as greatly enlarged. Secondly, the widely spaced eyes have a distinctly oval shape. Finally, this amazing creature has a full 10 rows of teeth in its highly widened mouth.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Squatiniformes
Family: Squatinidae
Genus: Squatina
Species: S. japonica

Japanese Angelshark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

As its common name suggests, the fabulous Japanese Angelshark appears in the waters around Japan, in Asia. However, its endemic range actually includes part of the northern Pacific Ocean. This extends from Japan to Taiwan. That range includes the Yellow Sea, the Sea of Japan, the Taiwan Strait, and the East China Sea.

Furthermore, this fascinating fish typically prefers to inhabit portions of the continental shelf. As a result, this bottom-dweller commonly inhabits sandy areas, at depths rarely exceeding 980 ft (299 m). It also likes to inhabit areas of coral reef, when available.

The Japanese Angelshark evolved primarily as an ambush predator. Therefore, it typically spends the majority of the daylight hours mostly buried on the ocean floor, awaiting an opportunity. However, at night, it becomes more aggressive, and actively hunts its prey. These consist mostly of various small cephalopods, fish, and crustaceans.

In addition, like other related species, it developed as a viviparous creature, giving birth to live young. Born in either the spring or summer, a typical litter consists of 2 – 10 individuals. At birth, infants average roughly 8.7 in (22 cm) in length.

Basking Shark

Basking Shark Facts

Next up on this listing of Incredible Sharks of the World is the gigantic one known simply as the Basking Shark.
Perhaps most notably, the astounding Basking Shark ranks as the second largest of all known fish in the world. In point of fact, only the truly breathtaking Whale Shark exceeds this incredible shark in terms of sheer size. Also known as the Cetorhinus maximus, this animal, unlike the Whale Shark, faces a man-made, ongoing danger. That’s because it remains a commercially fished species in parts of its range.
In addition, of further interest to some is the fact that this remarkable creature represents the only surviving member of its Family. In the mid 18th century, the bishop/botanist, Johan Ernst Gunnerus, became the first individual to officially describe the fascinating species. This surprising recognition occurred based on his observations of a single specimen. This sole individual he saw in the country of Norway.
Quite unfortunately, the IUCN presently lists this magnificent creature as Endangered, on its Red List of Threatened Species. It holds this status due to the fact that its numbers have plummeted dramatically in the past century. This primarily occurred due to mans over exploitation of it. However, it now faces the additional threat of climate change. Sadly, no widely organized conservation efforts as yet exist.

Basking Shark, Cetorhinus maximus — Source: https://bit.ly/3cme1lS Photographer: Chris Gotschalk

Basking Shark Physical Description

Firstly, the magnificent Basking Shark attains a truly impressive physical size. Secondly, unlike many species throughout the world, this fish shows no discernible degree of sexual dimorphism. Mature specimens of both genders attain an average length of about 26 ft (7.9 m). But, exceptional specimens occasionally occur. The largest individual ever reliably studied measured 40.3 ft (12.27 m) in length, and weighed 36,000 lb (16, 329 kg).

Furthermore, it also possesses the elongated body shape typical of related species. Unlike the Great White Shark, which some people mistake it for, its gill slits nearly encircle its head. In coloring, though, individuals vary widely in appearance. This often depends on the region the individual inhabits. Typically, specimens display either a dark brown, black, or blue on the back portion of the body. Meanwhile, the front usually shows a dull white.

Incredibly, the liver of this amazing animal accounts for about 25% of its entire body weight. It runs the entire length of the abdomen. However, its mouth itself forms its most incredible and recognizable feature. That’s because this enormous cavity opens up to a remarkable width of more than 3 ft (1 m). This, in turn, has a lining of numerous rows of teeth. But, unlike predatory sharks, these teeth only average 0.2 in (5 mm) in length.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Lamniformes
Family: Cetorhinidae
Genus: Cetorhinus
Species: C. maximus

Basking Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Quite fortunately for it, the mesmerizing Basking Shark has historically inhabited a remarkably wide range. This endemic territory includes the Mediterranean Sea, the north and south portions of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and also the sea of Japan. Furthermore, the distinctive fish also appears near New Zealand, as well as off the southern coast of Australia.

Predominantly, the fabulous creature inhabits the pelagic zone, that areas consisting of open ocean. More specifically, it generally appears in waters with a depth ranging from 656 – 6,562 ft (200 – 2,000 m). This generally places it along the continental shelf in the area it appears. Despite this fact, though, individuals often can be seen moving at or near the surface of the water. In addition, it also sometimes ventures into bays for short periods of time.

The fabulous Basking Shark feeds entirely as a filter feeder. To that end, it spends much of its time swimming quite slowly, with its gigantic mouth gaping wide. The fish does this to capture the huge quantities of food it consumes, primarily consisting of plankton. Yet, it also consumes the smaller quantities of tiny crustaceans that it captures along with the plankton. Finally, researchers currently know very little about its reproductive biology.