Notable Shark Species: the most iconic and well-known

Sharks, fascinating marine predators, are among the most impressive animals in the ocean. With over 400 recorded species, they vary in size and weight, from the tiny lantern shark to the colossal whale shark.

This diverse group of notable species of sharks, marine and river, like the great white shark in the sea and the bull shark which can live in both the ocean and rivers, are known for their large size and predatory agility. There are many types of sharks, each with its distinctive characteristics and adaptations to its environment.

These sharks are fundamental to the ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems, and here you can see the most well-known sharks for their features and behavior.

Saltwater Sharks

Order Carcharhiniformes

The order Carcharhiniformes includes the so-called reef sharks or ground sharks, grouping many of the most well-known species of sharks.

Within this group of sharks, tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are famous for their aggressive nature and varied diet, which includes everything from fish to non-edible objects. On the other hand, hammerhead sharks, belonging to the family Sphyrnidae, are easily identifiable by their hammer-shaped heads, an adaptation that enhances their vision and ability to detect prey more effectively. These sharks are typically found in warm, tropical waters, regularly frequenting coral reefs.

Main Families and Species

1. Carcharhinidae (Requiem sharks)
   • Carcharhinus leucas (Bull shark) (Saltwater and freshwater)
   • Carcharhinus limbatus (Blacktip shark) (Saltwater)
   • Galeocerdo cuvier (Tiger shark) (Saltwater)
   • Prionace glauca (Blue shark) (Saltwater)
2. Scyliorhinidae (Catsharks)
   • Scyliorhinus canicula (Lesser spotted dogfish) (Saltwater)
3. Triakidae (Houndsharks)
   • Triakis semifasciata (Leopard shark) (Saltwater)
4. Hemigaleidae (Weasel sharks)
   • Hemigaleus microstoma (Weasel shark) (Saltwater)
5. Leptochariidae (Barbeled houndsharks)
   • Leptocharias smithii (Barbeled houndshark) (Saltwater)
6. Proscylliidae (Finback catsharks)
   • Proscyllium habereri (Finback catshark) (Saltwater)
7. Pseudotriakidae (False catsharks)
   • Pseudotriakis microdon (False catshark) (Saltwater)
8. Sphyrnidae (Hammerhead sharks)
   • Sphyrna lewini (Scalloped hammerhead) (Saltwater)

Order Lamniformes

The order Lamniformes includes some very well-known species, such as the great white shark, the mako shark, and the basking shark. These sharks stand out for their size and speed, with the mako shark being the fastest of all sharks. Lamniformes are present in all the world's oceans, inhabiting deep pelagic zones and shallow coastal waters. They are top predators, sitting at the top of the food chain and playing a crucial role in the balance of ocean ecosystems.

Main Families and Species

1. Alopiidae (Thresher sharks)
   • Alopias pelagicus (Pelagic thresher shark) (Saltwater)
   • Alopias superciliosus (Bigeye thresher shark) (Saltwater)
   • Alopias vulpinus (Common thresher shark) (Saltwater)
2. Cetorhinidae
   • Cetorhinus maximus (Basking shark) (Saltwater)
3. Lamnidae (Mako sharks and great white shark)
   • Carcharodon carcharias (Great white shark) (Saltwater)
   • Isurus oxyrinchus (Shortfin mako shark) (Saltwater)
   • Isurus paucus (Longfin mako shark) (Saltwater)
   • Lamna ditropis (Salmon shark) (Saltwater)
   • Lamna nasus (Porbeagle shark) (Saltwater)
4. Megachasmidae
   • Megachasma pelagios (Megamouth shark) (Saltwater)
5. Mitsukurinidae
   • Mitsukurina owstoni (Goblin shark) (Saltwater)
6. Odontaspididae
   • Odontaspis ferox (Smalltooth sand tiger shark) (Saltwater)
   • Odontaspis noronhai (Bigeye sand tiger shark) (Saltwater)
7. Pseudocarchariidae
   • Pseudocarcharias kamoharai (Crocodile shark) (Saltwater)

Order Orectolobiformes

The order Orectolobiformes includes a variety of fascinating species commonly known as carpet sharks, as well as other cartilaginous fish like the enormous whale shark (Rhincodon typus), which holds the title of being the largest fish in existence. These sharks are characterized by their docile nature and diet mainly composed of plankton and small fish.

Within this order, we also find other notable species such as nurse sharks. These creatures are recognized for their distinctive skin patterns and largely sedentary behavior.

Warm and tropical waters are the preferred habitat of carpet sharks, where they can often be found in coral reefs and coastal areas. Their presence in these ecosystems plays a crucial role in the balance and health of these environments, demonstrating the importance of conserving and protecting these wonderful species.

Main Families and Species

1. Ginglymostomatidae (Nurse sharks)
   • Ginglymostoma cirratum (Nurse shark) (Saltwater)
2. Hemiscylliidae (Carpet sharks)
   • Hemiscyllium ocellatum (Epaulette shark) (Saltwater)
3. Orectolobidae (Carpet sharks)
   • Orectolobus maculatus (Spotted wobbegong) (Saltwater)
4. Rhincodontidae
   • Rhincodon typus (Whale shark) (Saltwater)
5. Stegostomatidae
   • Stegostoma fasciatum (Zebra shark) (Saltwater)
6. Parascylliidae (Collared carpet sharks)
   • Parascyllium variolatum (Varied carpetshark) (Saltwater)
7. Brachaeluridae (Blind sharks)
   • Brachaelurus waddi (Blind shark) (Saltwater)

Order Squaliformes

The order Squaliformes encompasses a great diversity of sharks, among which the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) stands out. This shark is famous for its incredible longevity, inhabiting the icy waters of the Arctic. Its ability to survive in extreme conditions makes it a fascinating subject of study for marine scientists.

Within this order, we also find lantern sharks, masters of the art of bioluminescent camouflage. These predators emit light to blend in with their surroundings and attract their prey, an extraordinary adaptation that gives them a unique evolutionary advantage.

On the other hand, cookiecutter sharks (Isistius brasiliensis) are known for their habit of biting large chunks of flesh from animals much larger than themselves. Although they are not large in size, their ferocity and tenacity make them stand out in the marine realm.

From the abyssal depths to shallow waters, sharks of the order Squaliformes have colonized a wide range of habitats in different regions of the world, once again demonstrating the extraordinary diversity and adaptability of these marine creatures.

Main Families and Species

1. Centrophoridae (Gulper sharks)
   • Centrophorus granulosus (Gulper shark) (Saltwater)
2. Dalatiidae (Kitefin sharks)
   • Isistius brasiliensis (Cookiecutter shark) (Saltwater)
3. Etmopteridae (Lantern sharks)
   • Etmopterus spinax (Velvet belly lanternshark) (Saltwater)
4. Oxynotidae (Rough sharks)
   • Oxynotus centrina (Angular roughshark) (Saltwater)
5. Somniosidae (Sleeper sharks)
   • Somniosus microcephalus (Greenland shark) (Saltwater)
6. Squalidae (Dogfish sharks)
   • Squalus acanthias (Spiny dogfish) (Saltwater)

Order Hexanchiformes

Includes the most primitive sharks, such as the sixgill shark and the frilled shark, found in deep and cold waters.

Main Families and Species

• Hexanchidae (Sixgill sharks)
  • Hexanchus griseus (Bluntnose sixgill shark) (Saltwater)
• Chlamydoselachidae (Frilled sharks)
  • Chlamydoselachus anguineus (Frilled shark) (Saltwater)

Order Heterodontiformes

Sharks of the order Heterodontiformes, commonly called bullhead sharks or horn sharks, have a distinctive appearance that makes them easily recognizable. Their broad heads, prominent eyes, and dorsal fins equipped with spines set them apart from other sharks. These creatures are generally small to medium in size, with robust and compact bodies.

They are known for their benthic habits, meaning they spend most of their time on the sea floor. They typically inhabit shallow waters, especially in warm and tropical areas, where they can find an abundance of prey and refuge among rocky and coral formations.

The combination of their peculiar appearance and benthic lifestyle makes them a unique and fascinating part of the marine ecosystem, well-adapted to thrive in the intricate underwater landscapes of shallow waters.

Main Families and Species

1. Heterodontidae (Bullhead sharks or horn sharks)
   • Heterodontus francisci (Horn shark) (Saltwater)
   • Heterodontus portusjacksoni (Port Jackson shark) (Saltwater)
   • Heterodontus galeatus (Crested bullhead shark) (Saltwater)
   • Heterodontus ramalheira (African bullhead shark) (Saltwater)
   • Heterodontus japonicus (Japanese bullhead shark) (Saltwater)
   • Heterodontus mexicanus (Mexican hornshark) (Saltwater)

Order Pristiophoriformes

Sharks of the order Pristiophoriformes, popularly known as sawsharks, are easily distinguishable species thanks to their distinctive long, flattened snouts that resemble a saw, with sharp teeth along the edges. This unique feature not only gives them their characteristic name but also plays a crucial role in their hunting and defense strategies.

With a slender and graceful appearance, these sharks are typical inhabitants of deep waters. They prefer seabeds and usually have benthic habits, meaning they spend most of their time near the sea floor searching for prey. Although they are most frequently found in deep waters, they can also inhabit tropical and temperate waters.

The combination of their peculiar facial structure and their lifestyle adapted to the deep seas makes them fascinating and unique species in the shark world, adapted to thrive in the mysterious confines of the deep ocean.

Freshwater Sharks

Carcharhinidae (Requiem sharks)

Carcharhinus leucas (Bull shark) (Saltwater and freshwater)

The Carcharhinus leucas, better known as the bull shark, is notable for its unique ability to inhabit both saltwater and freshwater in various parts of the world. This shark ventures into tropical rivers around the globe, establishing its presence in iconic locations such as the Amazon River in South America, Lake Nicaragua in Central America, as well as various water bodies in Africa and Asia.

Its ability to adapt to freshwater environments gives it a significant advantage over other sharks, allowing it to explore unconventional habitats and expand its geographical range. This phenomenon of migration between saltwater and freshwater is a fascinating behavior that captivates marine scientists and wildlife enthusiasts alike, highlighting the remarkable adaptability of these creatures in the vast aquatic world.

Glyphis (River sharks)

This genus of shark includes several species of river sharks that inhabit freshwater and brackish waters in Asia and Australia:

Glyphis glyphis (Spear-toothed shark) (Freshwater)

The Spear-toothed Shark stands out for its extraordinary spear-shaped teeth, perfectly adapted to catch fish in its freshwater environment. This species, extremely scarce and little studied, shrouds its existence in a veil of mystery. It can be found in rivers and estuaries in northern Australia and New Guinea, adding an enigmatic touch to its presence in these riverine environments.

Glyphis gangeticus (Ganges river shark) (Freshwater)

The Ganges River Shark emerges as one of the most elusive freshwater shark species, primarily confined to the Ganges River in India, with occasional appearances in other river courses in the India and Bangladesh region. This critically endangered creature is distinguished by its short, robust snout, perfectly adapted for hunting in freshwater environments.

Glyphis siamensis (Irrawaddy river shark or Burmese river shark) (Freshwater)

The Irrawaddy River Shark, also known as the Burmese river shark, finds its home in the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar and in river systems of Southeast Asia. Although notable in these waters, this endangered species faces considerable threats, mainly due to overfishing and the degradation of its natural habitat.

Glyphis fowlerae (Borneo river shark) (Freshwater)

The Borneo River Shark is a rare species that finds its home in the murky, deep waters of Borneo's rivers. This shark is distinguished by its ability to thrive in low-salinity environments and its morphology adapted to the swift rivers of the region. Its ability to adapt to these unique conditions makes it a fascinating and singular part of Borneo's riverine ecosystem.

Glyphis garricki (Northern river shark) (Freshwater)

The Northern River Shark, found in the rivers of northern Australia and New Guinea, demonstrates a remarkable ability to adapt to riverine and estuarine environments. Despite its name, this shark shows an impressive ability to move between brackish and freshwater, highlighting its great versatility and adaptability to different environmental conditions.

Carcharhinus hemiodon (Pondicherry shark) (Saltwater and freshwater)

Though primarily associated with marine environments, this shark has been spotted in rivers and estuaries, indicating its ability to tolerate freshwater.

This shark is extraordinarily rare and was thought extinct until rediscovered in 2011 in the Menik Ganga River in Sri Lanka.

These specimens are exceptional in their ability to adapt to freshwater environments, an unusual capability among shark species due to the physiological challenges posed by low-salinity water.

Deepwater Sharks

Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus)

The Greenland Shark is known for its exceptional longevity, living over 400 years. This impressive specimen inhabits the icy waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic, being one of the most studied deep-sea sharks by marine scientists.

Megamouth Shark (Megachasma pelagios)

Discovered in 1976, the Megamouth Shark is a rare and still little-known species. It primarily feeds on plankton through a filtration process and is famous for its impressive mouth, allowing it to swallow large amounts of water and filter food. Additionally, it is known for its vertical migratory habits, rising to the surface at night to feed and descending to greater depths during the day. This vertical behavior distinguishes it as a fascinating species in the shark world.

Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni)

The Goblin Shark, recognized for its unique appearance with a long, flattened snout, inhabits deep-sea waters, living at depths of up to 1,300 meters. This peculiar shark represents a fascinating example of deep-sea shark adaptations, demonstrating how these creatures have evolved to survive in the extreme, unexplored environments of the ocean.

Pelagic Thresher Shark (Alopias pelagicus)

The Pelagic Thresher Shark is notable for its distinctive long tail, which it uses as a weapon to stun its prey. This predator inhabits the dark and deep waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, engaging in daily vertical migrations. This vertical migratory behavior, rising to the surface at night to feed and returning to greater depths during the day, is a remarkable strategy that allows it to exploit resources available at different levels of the water column.

Frilled Shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus)

The Frilled Shark, with its long, eel-like body, is a unique species that inhabits astonishing depths of up to 1,500 meters. This shark, one of the most primitive of its kind, offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of these marine predators. Its distinctive body structure and ability to inhabit the abyssal depths of the ocean make it a truly remarkable creature in the marine realm.

Cookiecutter Shark (Isistius brasiliensis)

The Cookiecutter Shark, also known as the cigar shark, is famous for the characteristic circular bites it leaves on its prey. This predator inhabits the depths of the ocean and is found in all tropical and subtropical oceans. Its hunting ability and feeding habits make it a fascinating and feared species in the world's seas.

Blackmouth Catshark (Galeus melastomus)

The Blackmouth Catshark is a species found in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. This shark is distinguished by its relatively small size and ability to inhabit considerable depths, reaching up to 1,200 meters below the sea surface. Its ability to adapt to different underwater environments makes it a notable member of the marine ecosystems in these regions.

Pacific Sleeper Shark (Somniosus pacificus)

Similar to the Greenland shark in its deepwater lifestyle and slow movement, the Pacific sleeper shark is a species recognized for its adaptation to ocean depths. This shark resides in the North Pacific and can be found at surprising depths of up to 2,000 meters. Its ability to survive in such extreme environments makes it a fascinating example of the diversity and adaptability of marine life.

Bluntnose Sixgill Shark (Hexanchus griseus)

The bluntnose sixgill shark is an ancient species that exhibits primitive features, such as its distinctive six gill slits. This shark, also known as the cow shark, is found in deep waters of oceans around the world. Its name derives from its appearance, often resembling a cow due to its mottled skin and robust body. This species is differentiated from others by having an additional gill slit, making it a fascinating and unique shark in the world of sharks.

Gulper Shark (Centrophorus granulosus)

This shark is distinguished by its large eyes, which give it an exceptional ability to see in the dark depths of the ocean. A resident of deep waters in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, this species has evolved to adapt to low-light marine environments. Its ability to detect prey and navigate the abyssal depths makes it a formidable predator in the world's seas.

Birdbeak Dogfish (Deania calcea)

The birdbeak dogfish, also known as the birdbeak hornshark, is a species that inhabits astonishing depths of up to 1,450 meters. It is distributed in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, where it stands out for its elongated and slender body. This creature, adapted to life in the deep sea, represents a fascinating example of the diversity and adaptability of sharks in the world's oceans.

Blackbelly Lanternshark (Etmopterus spinax)

The blackbelly lanternshark, also called the velvet belly lanternshark, is known for its bioluminescence, a unique ability that allows it to emit light in the ocean depths. This peculiar shark inhabits great depths, reaching up to 1,500 meters, and is distributed in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Its ability to produce its own light makes it a fascinating and mysterious species of the deep sea.

Portuguese Dogfish (Centroscymnus coelolepis)

This shark is recognized for its habitat in deep waters and its ability to dwell on the ocean floor. It is found in abyssal depths of up to 3,700 meters in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its adaptation to living in the extreme depths of the ocean makes it a notable and fascinating species, representing the astounding diversity of marine life in the world's seas.

Sharptooth Catshark (Halaelurus natalensis)

The sharptooth catshark is a resident of the depths of the western Indian Ocean. This species ventures to depths of up to 500 meters, where it adapts to a lifestyle in the dark and mysterious ocean depths. Its presence in these deep waters adds a touch of enigma to the marine ecosystems of the western Indian Ocean.