The Reality of Sharks

By Samiya Catlin

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Sharks, scientifically known as Selachimorpha, are enormous fish. They are characterised by a ribless endoskeleton, dermal denticles, five to seven gill slits on each sides, and pectoral fins which are not fused to the head.

Features 

Sharks possess a number of defining features causing them to be easily identified as their own species. Some features include:

• Fins - First dorsal fin, Pectoral fin, Second dorsal fin, Pelvic fin, Anal fin,  and the Caudal Fin (lower lobe and upper lobe)

•  Placoid Scales - Toothlike scales

•  Muscular, upturned tail

• A pointed snout

• Sharp teeth

• Fusiform body

• An eye on either side of the head lined with a reflective layer in the eye called tapetum

  
  

  Behaviour

  Sharks have a number of different behavioural aspects to their lives including:

• Solitary hunting

• Social interactions

• Agility - with 5 swishes of their tail they can achieve up 11 miles per hour

• Curiosity - Oceanic whitetips are very confident and curious!

• Spy hopping - when they hop out of the water for a moment to get a better look of their surroundings

• Aggression -  Sharks can be very aggressive when it comes to feeding, but human attacks are very rare and only range from 60-80 per year, but in 2024 only 47 were recorded

• Timidity - Some species, including the Scalloped Hammerhead, are known for their nerves

  
  

  Closer Look at some of the Species

  
  

  The Great White

  Great White’s, scientifically known as Carchorodon carcharias, are commonly found in the coastal areas in places like Australia and the U.S. Although there are no confirmed sightings, some are migrating to the U.K with sightings on Farne Islands Boat Tours. Most sharks of this species weigh between 522 - 771 kg however mature females can weigh between 680 kg to a whopping 1,100 kg! Male great whites measure 11-13 ft and Females 15-16 ft making them the more intimidating of the species.

  
  

  The Whale

  Personally, one of my favourite species of Shark, the Whale shark, is the biggest species of fish and Sharks. Measuring up to 18 meters and weighing at 15,000 to 36,000 kilograms, these massive creatures are heavier and longer than an average-sized school bus! They live over 100 years in the wild, reaching maturity at 30. 130,000 to 200,000 whale sharks remain in the wild but these numbers are quickly decreasing mainly due to fishing, climate change and pollution.

  
  

    The Scalloped Hammerhead

  The scalloped hammerhead is a species of hammerhead shark in the family Sphyrnidae. It was originally known as Zygaena lewini. The Greek word sphyrna translates into "hammer" in English, referring to the shape of this shark's head, which is its most distinguishing characteristic. This shark is also known as the bronze, kinky-headed, or southern hammerhead. It primarily lives in warm, temperate, and tropical coastal waters all around the globe going down to a depth of 500 m (1,600 ft). It is the most common of all hammerheads.

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