Sharks

Shark bones are all made of cartilage! A strong and flexible material found in our ears and noses. Cartilage is lighter than bone and helps sharks to move in water. Shark skin feels rough like a cat’s tongue, because of dermal denticles, which are tiny teeth facing backwards that help Sharks move swiftly through the water. Some Sharks are born with a complete set of teeth that they continuously replace throughout their lives, with some species shedding up to 30,000 teeth. Other Sharks do not have any teeth and instead filter feed, like Whale sharks. Sharks also have a sixth sense, called “‘amupllae of lorenzini” on their snout, which can sense electrical fields emitted by surrounding animals. This helps them hunt. Shark fins help with stability and balance while swimming. Each Shark species has a distinct fin shape; fast-swimming sharks typically possess short, crescent-shaped tails, while slower-moving sharks exhibit longer and thinner tails. Since Sharks are fish, they breathe through gills located on the sides of their heads. To extract oxygen from the water, Sharks must constantly move (even when they sleep!), allowing water to flow through their mouths and over their gills. Some bottom-dwelling Sharks can suck water into their mouths and push it through their gills, even while resting.

Because there are so many different kinds of Sharks, they have a lot of different diets. Some Sharks, like the Great White shark, are Apex predators and feed primarily on other marine animals such as seals, sea lions, and smaller Sharks. Others, like the Basking Shark, are filter feeders, eating plankton and small organisms by filtering them through their gill rakers. The Whale Shark, the largest fish in the world, is also a filter feeder, feeding on Plankton using its enormous mouth. Sharks like the Tiger Shark and Bull Shark are opportunistic feeders eat many different things including fish, squid, turtles, and sea birds. Some species, such as the Nurse Shark, feed on bottom-dwelling organisms like crustaceans and mollusks. From specialized hunters to filter feeders and scavengers, the diverse diets of Sharks highlight their vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

Sharks face numerous threats in the wild. Firstly, overfishing and finning have resulted in drastic declines in Shark populations worldwide. Habitat loss due to coastal development and pollution further disrupt their ecosystems. Climate change impacts the oceans, affecting shark habitats and altering their prey availability. Bycatch, the accidental capture of Sharks in fishing gear, also poses a grave threat.
As top predators, Sharks help keep the ocean balanced. They eat other animals, which helps control their populations. Sharks also play a role in protecting coral reefs by keeping the numbers of harmful predators in check. They even help prevent the spread of diseases among marine animals. Sharks are so important for keeping the ocean ecosystem in top shape.

Sharks need our help! You can help by, supporting sustainable fishing practices. Choose seafood options that are caught using sustainable methods and avoid consuming Shark products or dishes that contain shark fins. Reducing pollution. Avoid littering and use eco-friendly products and practices. Pollution can harm Sharks directly and destroy their habitats. Be aware of protected ocean habitats. Spaces like estuaries are typically protected for animals. Make sure to help keep them safe for animals leaving them be and avoid walking in them or picking up marine life. Spread awareness. Educate others about the importance of Sharks in marine ecosystems! The more people understand Sharks and their vital role, the more support they will have for conservation efforts.