The angelsharks are a group of sharks in the genus Squatina of the family Squatinidae. They commonly inhabit sandy seabeds close to 150 m (490 ft) in depth. Many species are now classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The Australian Angelshark is a bottom-dwelling species that can be recognised by its depressed body and large pectoral fins that are not fully joined to the head. In Australia it occurs from New South Wales, around the south of the country including Tasmania, and north to south-western Western Australia.
Listed as Critically Endangered, Angelshark (Squatina squatina) numbers have declined rapidly over the past ~100 years across their range. They are now a Prohibited Species to commercial vessels fishing in EU waters.
Pacific angel sharks are not generally considered dangerous, but they have been known to bite SCUBA divers when provoked. Their habit of remaining perfectly still makes them easy to touch, and divers sometimes grab them. The natural defense mechanism is to strike when threatened, but the bites are not generally severe.
Their numbers are decreasing at an alarming rate, with some populations having declined by as much as 98% in just the last few decades. By some (very optimistic) estimates, several thousand angel sharks are left in the world's oceans—a number that is dwindling with each passing day.
The elusive Ganges shark is a freshwater riverine species thought to be endemic to India. Originally only known from three museum specimens collected in the 19th century, this rare creature is often confused with bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) – a marine species known to enter rivers and estuaries.
Over more than two decades, 64 victims were attacked, of which 26 died. The last deadly attack occurred on 10 July 2021. The attacks were caused by the species bull shark and tiger shark.
The leopard shark is the first on our list of least dangerous shark species to be utterly harmless to humans. There has not been a single report of a human being bitten by a leopard shark. They live primarily in shallow waters, are rarely found more than twenty feet below the surface, and feed on crabs and small fish.
Lemon sharks get their name for being overtly jealous when scuba divers do not give them sufficient attention – no, not really, but it would have been a good story. The first dive with the lemon sharks felt somewhat like going on a blind date in a foreign country.
The find can help biologists learn more about chimaeras and how they grow. According to Shark Trust, ghost sharks—also known as ratfish, spook fish, or rabbitfish—are rarely seen by humans since most species are found at depths ranging between 200 to 2,600 meters along the seafloor.
Purple Glo Shark
Rainbow sharks from Indonesia have deep red fins on a silver body. These sharks are actually catfish and are hardy and easy to keep and peaceful. The rainbow shark grows to about six inches. On the other hand, Purple Glo Sharks are a solid purple and keep this color throughout their lives.
This newly described fossil species, called Aquilolamna milarcae, has allowed its discoverers to erect a new family. Like manta rays, these 'eagle sharks' are characterised by extremely long and thin pectoral fins reminiscent of wings.
The largest great white recognized by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is one caught by Alf Dean in south Australian waters in 1959, weighing 1,208 kg (2,663 lb).
Shortfin makos (Isurus oxyrinchus) are a popular game fishing shark, valued in Victoria for its good eating qualities. They are the world's fastest shark capable of bursts of speed close to 80km/hr and are infamous for gigantic leaps out of the water.
Scientists have discovered a "shark graveyard" deep on the sea floor of the remote Western Australian coast containing hundreds of fossilised teeth, including those of a close relative of a fearsome prehistoric predator — the megalodon shark.
Wikipedia The White Shark, more commonly referred to as the "Great White," has been reported to be involved in more attacks on humans than any other shark.
Just like we check under our beds for monsters, sharks check for dolphins before nodding off. That's right, the toughest kids on the undersea block swim in fear of dolphins.
Basically, this means that in situations when personal deterrents (such as the Ocean Guardian Scuba7) do not prevent bites, shark bite injuries can be reduced through puncture-resistant fabric such as Kevlar neoprene.
Despite their scary reputation, sharks rarely ever attack humans and would much rather feed on fish and marine mammals. Only about a dozen of the more than 300 species of sharks have been involved in attacks on humans.
Millions of sharks impacted by hook-and-line fisheries
Embedded hooks can restrict eating abilities and may cause internal damage to organs, poisoning or infection. According to the study, many tiger sharks are accidentally hooked by long line fisheries targeting tuna and swordfish.
FACT: Sharks know the difference between fish and human blood and, while they can smell our blood, it is not a scent they associate with food. Scientific experiments have repeatedly shown that sharks have no interest in human blood.
Bondi Beach, Australia
There have been 139 shark bites since 2007, 15 of them fatal, according to the ISAF. Most of the attacks have taken place off the coast of New South Wales, the state where Bondi Beach is located.
So, while most sharks will be 100% fine if they stop swimming, a few iconic species such as great white sharks, whale sharks, hammerheads and mako sharks would suffocate without forward motion or a strong current flowing towards their mouths.