1. Sharks have an impressive set of teeth
Sharks have an impressive set of teeth, with anywhere from 5 to 15 rows of razor-sharp chompers. Unlike human teeth, shark teeth don't have roots, so they fall out after a week and are replaced with a new row of teeth within a day. This remarkable process of regeneration ensures that sharks are always ready to take a bite out of their prey.
Also → Sharks without an air bladder: How they stay afloat
Advertisement2. Sharks have incredibly tough skin
Sharks have incredibly tough skin, which is covered in dermal denticles - small plates that are similar to the enamel found in teeth. These denticles are incredibly hard and provide the shark with protection from predators, as well as helping them to move through the water more efficiently. The denticles also give the shark's skin a sandpaper-like texture, which helps them to detect vibrations in the water.
Also → The Immune System of the Shark
3. Sensitive Predators with an Amazing Lateral Line
Sharks are incredible predators, equipped with a remarkable sensory system known as the lateral line. This system runs along the sides of the shark's body and is incredibly sensitive, allowing them to detect even the slightest movement in the water. This helps them to locate and track their prey, giving them a huge advantage in the hunt.
Also → Gharials: Impressive Reptiles That Catch Fish
4. Sharks' Liver is Rich in Oil and Used in Many Products
Sharks have an incredible ability to maintain their balance in the water, and one of the reasons for this is their liver. Rich in oil, the organ is relatively buoyant, helping the shark to stay upright and navigate the depths of the ocean with ease. This oil is also used in many products, from cosmetics to dietary supplements, due to its high concentration of vitamins and minerals.
Also → The Common Squid: A Fascinating Creature with a Short Lifespan
Advertisement5. From Egg-Laying to Live Births
Sharks are incredibly diverse creatures, with some species laying eggs and others giving birth to live young. Oviparous sharks lay eggs in a variety of ways, including attaching them to rocks or other objects, burying them in the sand, or even carrying them in their mouths until they hatch. Viviparous sharks, on the other hand, give birth to live young, with the embryos developing inside the mother and receiving nourishment through a placenta. This fascinating reproductive diversity is just one of the many ways that sharks have adapted to their environment.
Also → Snakes: Unique Egg-Layers & Ovoviviparous Species
6. Sharks can live up to 150 years!
Sharks are some of the longest-living creatures on the planet, with some species capable of living for up to 150 years! The larger species of sharks, such as the Great White, can live for an impressive 100 to 150 years, while the smaller species, such as the Spiny Dogfish, typically live for a more modest 20 to 30 years.
Also → The Oklahoma Aquarium: Home to the World's Largest Bull Sharks
7. Complex Predators
Despite their reputation as vicious man-eaters, sharks are actually quite complex predators. While some species are considered dangerous to humans, their sharp teeth are more likely to inflict serious wounds than to cause fatal injuries. In fact, the majority of shark attacks on humans are not fatal, and many are not even intentional.
Also → Belize: The paradise for shark-viewing enthusiasts
Advertisement8. Sharks are attracted to yellow
Contrary to popular belief, sharks are not color blind. In fact, they are quite attracted to certain colors, particularly yellow. This is because yellow stands out in the ocean, making it easier for sharks to spot their prey. Additionally, some species of sharks have been observed to be attracted to yellow objects, such as buoys, which may be used to lure them in for research purposes.
Also → South Africa's Bold Conservation Efforts Help Save Great White Shark
9. Female Sharks Gestation Period Can Vary Greatly
The gestation period for a pregnant female shark can vary greatly, with some species taking as little as 5 months to gestate, while others can take up to 2 years. This is a remarkable feat, considering the size of the shark and the amount of energy it takes to carry a baby shark to term. It is also interesting to note that the gestation period for a female shark is much longer than that of other fish species, which typically take only a few weeks or months to gestate.
Also → Sting Rays: The Fascinating Creatures With a Venomous Tail
10. Sharks Have an Impressive Sightline
Sharks have an impressive sightline, with their eyes located on the sides of their head, allowing them to see nearly 360 degrees. This gives them an advantage in the water, as they can easily spot prey from any direction. Additionally, their eyes are specially adapted to see in low light conditions, making them even more effective hunters.
