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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 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...

Fact Files

Fact Files

Find out about all your favourite sharks with our Fact Files. They are packed with information about each shark in the series. Read more

Published: 7th July, 2022

Updated: 30th January, 2023

Author: Caroline Robertson-Brown

Shark Shorts

Shark Shorts

The Shark Trust's short animated video series explaining the basics of what sharks are and what we can do to protect them Read more

Published: 26th May, 2022

Author: Caroline Robertson-Brown

60 Second Sharks

60 Second Sharks

Short videos about sharks: conservation, biology, ecology and more Read more

Published: 10th December, 2021

Updated: 9th February, 2022

Author: Caroline Robertson-Brown

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: 29th September, 2021

Author: Hannah Tarrant

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: 29th September, 2021

Author: Hannah Tarrant

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: 29th September, 2021

Author: Hannah Tarrant

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: 29th September, 2021

Author: Hannah Tarrant

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: 6th November, 2018

Updated: 26th May, 2022

Author: Hannah Tarrant

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: 6th November, 2018

Updated: 26th May, 2022

Author: Hannah Tarrant

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: 29th September, 2021

Author: Hannah Tarrant

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: 7th October, 2021

Author: Hannah Tarrant

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: 3rd August, 2022

Author: Hannah Tarrant

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: 29th September, 2021

Author: Hannah Tarrant

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Showing 10 of 13

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    Stranded Shark at Lepe Beach, Solent. Shark Trust Statement

    Reports of a stranded shark were received by the Shark Trust yesterday afternoon.

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    TCS London Marathon 2024

Most read

  • 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...

  • 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 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!

  • 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).

  • 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 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.

  • Shark Evolution

    Shark Evolution

    Most scientists believe that sharks came into existence around 400 million years ago. That's 200 million years before the dinosaurs! Find out more about the history of sharks...

  • Adopt a Great White Shark

    Adopt a Great White Shark

    Adopt a Great White Shark today and you'll be supporting vital Great White Shark research in the USA.

  • Shark Shop

    Shark Shop

    Check out our range of shark inspired gifts. From shark adoptions and gift memberships, to clothing and accessories... There's something for everyone.

  • 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.

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