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  • discover-sharks
  1. Home
  2. Discover Sharks

Discover Sharks

Sharks have lived in our oceans for over 400 million years. Well before even the dinosaurs roamed the earth!

Worldwide there are over 500 species of shark, 600 skates and rays and 50 chimaera. All unique and amazing in their own ways, and perfectly adapted to the environment in which they live! You can find them in almost every marine ecosystem on earth. Including freshwater!

Great or small, charismatic or strange - we love them all. From tiny Pygmy Lantern Sharks that glow in the dark. To impressive filter-feeding Whale Sharks that can grow up to 17m long. Epaulette Sharks (see photo above) that use their fins to walk over coral reefs. And bizarre-looking Tasselled Wobbegongs that have the most elaborate camouflage you've ever seen.

Inspired? We hope so. You can find out lots more by clicking on the links below. 

Enjoy exploring the mysterious and wonderful world of sharks...

Shark Ecology

Shark Ecology

Sharks have adapted to inhabit a wide range of niches in every ocean and sea around the world. Click here to find out more about the environments in which sharks live. Read more

Published: 17th January, 2019

Updated: 18th January, 2019

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Discover Sharks
Shark Biology

Shark Biology

In this section we go back in time to unearth the origins of sharks. We'll explore how all sharks are related, and learn all about their anatomy and super senses. Read more

Published: 17th January, 2019

Updated: 21st January, 2019

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Discover Sharks
Skates & Rays

Skates & Rays

Skates and rays are very closely related to sharks. But they're flatter in shape, which makes them well suited for life on the sea-floor. Read more

Published: 8th November, 2018

Updated: 12th November, 2019

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Discover Sharks
Chimaera

Chimaera

Also known as ghost sharks. Chimaera are closely related to sharks, skates and rays. But they diverged from their shark relatives around 400 million years ago. Read more

Published: 7th November, 2018

Updated: 1st November, 2019

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Discover Sharks
Experience Sharks

Experience Sharks

Shark ecotourism takes many forms. The most common are cage diving, boat trips and shark watching. Click here for some helpful tips on finding a responsible tour operator. Read more

Published: 6th November, 2018

Updated: 18th January, 2019

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Discover Sharks
Shark Threats

Shark Threats

We need sharks to keep our oceans healthy and teeming with life. But human activity is pushing many species to the brink. Find out more about the biggest threats sharks face. Read more

Published: 5th November, 2018

Updated: 23rd November, 2020

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Discover Sharks
Shark Attacks (Bite Incidents)

Shark Attacks (Bite Incidents)

Incidents of people being bitten by sharks are rare. Of the more than 500 known species of shark, only a very few are considered potentially dangerous to humans. Read more

Published: 5th November, 2018

Updated: 13th January, 2020

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Discover Sharks
Shark Conservation

Shark Conservation

Sharks are fascinating and diverse, but there's much more to them than that. Find out more about the changing landscape of shark conservation, and why sharks are so important. Read more

Published: 4th November, 2018

Updated: 1st November, 2019

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Discover Sharks
Shark Trust Resources

Shark Trust Resources

Raising awareness about sharks is key to safeguarding their future in our oceans. So, we've created a range of resources that you can use to help us spread the word. Read more

Published: 3rd November, 2018

Updated: 18th January, 2019

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Resources
  • Discover Sharks
Pup's Activity Zone

Pup's Activity Zone

Inspiring the next generation. Click here to enter our kids zone. Packed with fun facts, resources and ways for under 12's to get involved with shark conservation. Read more

Published: 2nd November, 2018

Updated: 23rd November, 2020

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Discover Sharks
Back to top

Showing 10 of 10

Latest

  • News Digest - January

    News Digest - January

    Check out our selection of top shark stories for the month. Covering the latest news and discoveries from around the world...

  • Stuck indoors & need something to do?

    Stuck indoors & need something to do?

    If you're looking for something to keep you, or little ones, entertained, check out our top 10 resources...

  • Shark Focus Magazine (Issue 65)

    Shark Focus Magazine (Issue 65)

    In this issue we're dispelling some of the common shark myths. Exploring how we can all shift the current negative narrative surrounding sharks, by the way we talk about them.

  • News Digest - December

    News Digest - December

    Check out our selection of top shark stories for the month. Covering the latest news and discoveries from around the world...

Most read

  • Canada Protects Endangered Mako Sharks with Groundbreaking Atlantic Ban

    Canada Protects Endangered Mako Sharks with Groundbreaking Atlantic Ban

    Canada announces groundbreaking move to protect Shortfin Mako in the Atlantic after a sustained campaign by the Shark League to follow the advice of ICCAT scientists.

  • 18 Shark & Ray Species Granted New Global Trade Controls at Wildlife Conference

    18 Shark & Ray Species Granted New Global Trade Controls at Wildlife Conference

    Makos, Wedgefishes, and Giant Guitarfishes listed under CITES with support from more than 100 countries.

  • Shark Taxonomy

    Shark Taxonomy

    Taxonomy is a field of science that involves classifying and naming species. It's integral to wildlife conservation, providing the bedrock for our understanding of sharks.

  • Male & Female Sharks

    Male & Female Sharks

    How do you tell the difference between a male and female shark? Click here to find out about physical and behavioural differences, as well as shark courtship...

  • Great Eggcase Hunt

    Great Eggcase Hunt

    Find and record empty shark eggcases that have washed up on the beach. Eggcase hunting is great fun for all ages! Click here to find everything you need to get started.

  • ID Guide Introductory Pages

  • Shark Anatomy

    Shark Anatomy

    Sharks have a range of adaptations that make them perfectly suited to their environment. It's no wonder they've gained a reputation for being some of the most impressive and formidable predators on the planet!

  • Tonic Immobility

    Tonic Immobility

    Tonic immobility is a reflex that causes a temporary state of inactivity in an animal. Similar to hypnosis. It occurs in a variety of different species, including many sharks and rays...

  • Shark Senses

    Shark Senses

    Many shark species have brains as complex as mammals, which enables them to process a wide range of senses. Sharks have the same 5 senses as we do plus a couple more...

  • Shark Reproduction

    Shark Reproduction

    Sharks invest a lot of energy into producing a few, well-developed young. There are 3 main methods of reproduction: oviparity (egg-laying), ovoviviparity and vivparity (live birth).

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