Indeed there are over 400 types of shark in the world . These entrancing creatures come in a wide variety of shapes , sizes , and behaviors , making them one of the most diverse groups of organisms in the ocean . Each mintage of shark has its own unique characteristic and adaptations that allow it to prosper in its specific home ground .
One of the most well - known species of sharks is the Great White Shark ( Carcharodon carcharias ) . These formidable creature are known for their great size , powerful jaw , and sharp teeth . Great Whites are vertex predators and are found in coastal waters all around the mankind . They are know for their ability to breach the surface of the water while hunting seal of approval and other prey .
Another interesting species is the Hammerhead Shark ( Sphyrnidae ) . These shark are named for their distinctive hammer - work straits , called cephalofoils . The purpose of this unique head shape is still consider among scientist , but some hypothesis hint that it heighten their manoeuvrability and sensory perceptual experience . dunderhead can be found in warm coastal amniotic fluid and are know for their schooling conduct .
The Whale Shark ( Rhincodon typus ) is the enceinte Pisces in the world and belongs to the shark family . Despite its massive size of it , the Whale Shark is a easy giant that feed principally on plankton and small Pisces . These sharks have a unique pattern of spots and stripes on their bodies , which can be used to identify somebody . float alongside a Whale Shark is an reverence - inspiring experience and one that I was fortunate enough to have during a scuba dive trip .
The Goblin Shark ( Mitsukurina owstoni ) is another peculiar species . It has a classifiable long , flat schnoz and start jaw filled with sharp tooth . These sharks dwell the depths of the ocean and are rarely seen by humans . Their unusual appearance and feeding behavior have earn them the nickname “ livelihood fossil . ”
The Basking Shark ( Cetorhinus maximus ) is the second - largest Pisces the Fishes in the world , after the Whale Shark . These gentle behemoth are filter bird feeder , consuming bombastic quantities of plankton and small fish by swimming with their mouth wide capable . Basking Sharks can be found in nerveless waters and are often seen near the control surface , basking in the Dominicus , hence their name .
Sharks come in a wide array of size of it and habitats , ranging from the bantam Dwarf Lanternshark ( Etmopterus perryi ) measuring only a few inch long , to the massive Megalodon ( Carcharocles megalodon ) that lived millions of years ago and get hold of length of up to 60 feet . Each species has its own unique curing of version that let it to survive and thrive in its peculiar environment .
The mankind of shark is implausibly diverse , with over 400 species that vary in size , shape , and deportment . From the terrible Great White Shark to the gentle filter - feed Whale Shark , each species has its own news report to tell . Exploring the world of sharks is a fascinating endeavour that reveals the wonders of the ocean and the incredible biodiversity it withstand .
Caroline Bates