Types of Sharks in the Sea It is possible to find Sharks in the Sea at many places around the world. There are various types of Sharks such as the Bull shark, Blue shark, Basking shark, Lemon shark, Zebra shark, Thresher shark, and Whale shark. They vary from smaller to larger in size.
Types of Sharks in Whale sharks
Types of Sharks in Whale sharks are large, predatory creatures that live in the sea. They are found throughout the tropical, warm water regions of the world. The biggest whale sharks have been known to reach 60 feet long.
These sharks are also considered to be one of the most endangered animals in the ocean. Due to commercial fishing, oil and gas drilling, and shark finning, their numbers are dropping. According to the IUCN Red List, the Atlantic population is predicted to continue to decrease by 30%.
This fish can be found in the Philippines, Mexico, Australia, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Djibouti, and the Red Sea. They are one of the few filter feeders in the ocean, feeding on plankton, krill, and small fish.
These giants of the sea have a wide mouth, allowing them to scoop up the tiniest plankton and feed on them. Although these sharks aren’t very aggressive, they can bite if you get too close.
In order to see these mighty fish, you can book a snorkeling trip to La Paz. These tours are eco-friendly, and the captains will take you to the best spots in the world for snorkeling with these creatures.
During a visit, you will learn all about the behavior and lifestyle of these amazing fish. Your guides will explain what to do during your encounter and give you a safety briefing.
Types of Sharks in Bull sharks
Types of Sharks in Bull sharks are large coastal sharks found in tropical and subtropical water. Their habitat is primarily coastal, but they can also live in freshwater. Some are opportunistic feeders and may eat crabs, sea birds, or even dolphins. They are also known to attack turtles and young.
Bull sharks are found in the warm tropical waters of the Atlantic, Indo-West Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are most commonly seen in marine environments, but they can also live in freshwater and brackish waters.
During the mating season, female bull sharks give birth to one to thirteen live young. After a 10-to-11-month gestation period, the developing pups are nourished by yolk-sac placenta. These developing pups are usually about 28 inches long when born.
Females stay in nursery areas until they are ready to reproduce. Normally, females breed every other year. In the summer, pregnant females travel to estuarine areas to give birth.
Bull sharks are opportunistic feeders. They primarily feed on bony fish and small sharks. They are also known to eat sea birds, squid, sea turtles, and shrimp.
Males reach sexual maturity around age 14. They may bite the fins of the female during copulation. Pregnant females migrate to estuarine areas to give birth in late spring and early summer.
Types of Sharks in Blue sharks
Types of Sharks in Blue sharks are widely distributed in the sea, from equatorial to temperate latitudes. These predators feed on small pelagic invertebrates. In addition to flatfishes, such as squid, they also eat pelagic fishes such as cod, herring, and swordfish. They can also be found in the carcasses of whales.
Blue sharks are thought to have a life span of about twenty years. Females give birth to thirty-five pups each year. Their size ranges from 180 to 240 cm. Normally, blue sharks are found in water depths of about two to three meters.
The IUCN Red List classifies blue sharks as Lower Risk/Near Threatened species. The European Union has allocated total allowable catches for this species in the North Atlantic and South Atlantic oceans. The United Kingdom has added it to its Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework as a Priority Species. However, there is still a concern that blue sharks are vulnerable to fishing pressure.
A preliminary stock assessment for blue sharks in the North Atlantic was conducted by ICCAT. This agency is responsible for managing large pelagic fishes in the Atlantic Ocean. It was also noted that the blue shark’s distribution is not well represented in the South-East Atlantic.
Thresher sharks
Thresher sharks, also called fox sharks, are oceanic species. They are found in all tropical and temperate waters. Although they are not threatening to humans, thresher sharks are considered vulnerable and endangered.
The common thresher shark is a popular game fish. Its name derives from the distinctive thresher-like tail of this species. These sharks can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh over 1100 pounds.
Like most sharks, thresher sharks are pelagic animals. They live in the open sea, where they are solitary and have low levels of aggression. In addition, they have unique life cycles. Most thresher sharks have a gestation period of 9 months, during which two to four young develop inside the female.
At birth, thresher sharks are between three and five feet long. They reach sexual maturity at six to seven years of age. During their lifetime, these sharks grow about 0.3 foot (10 cm) each year.
Depending on the species, thresher sharks can be gray, brown or blue. Their coloration can vary, depending on the light and clarity of the water. Unlike most sharks, they can live for over twenty years.
Thresher sharks are not commonly eaten for their fins. However, their tails are often hooked and used to stun prey.
Basking sharks
Among the great sharks of the ocean, the basking shark is the second largest. The species is known for its ability to breach water at 20 km per hour. However, its distribution and abundance are unclear.
Basking sharks inhabit coastal waters of the Northern and Southern North Seas. Although there have been several reports of historical sightings of the species in these areas, they may not have been as abundant as they once were.
As such, it is important to know where basking sharks can be found in the future. Their movements in the sea can be studied using EENMs and boat-based transect surveys. This could help to inform environmental impact assessment for offshore developments and fishing practices.
A recent study has compiled data on the density of basking sharks along the UK’s coastline. The density was calculated from three years of survey efforts. For example, a basking shark was estimated to be present in the region as many as four times per hour, based on the average number of hours of survey effort.
In addition, an ensemble ecological niche model was developed that would produce a spatially explicit map of basking shark habitat suitability. A model could also be used to forecast basking shark distribution patterns under different climate change scenarios.
Zebra sharks
Zebra sharks are a species of shark found in tropical regions. They are most often found near coral reefs. However, they are also known to inhabit waters in the Red Sea, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Indo-West Pacific.
Adult zebra sharks are usually solitary. They are docile and non-aggressive. These sharks are known to eat mollusks, crustaceans, and small bony fishes.
They are generally nocturnal and spend most of their time lying motionless on the ocean floor. At night, they are active hunters.
The zebra shark is commonly found on reefs and sandy bottoms. It is a popular fish for aquariums. Several aquariums display zebra sharks, including the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium in Queensland, Australia.
During mating season, male zebra sharks chase females. Males have claspers that they insert into the female’s pelvic fins. This is how sperm is transferred from the male to the female.
Female zebra sharks lay up to four eggs at a time. Eggs are dark brown to purple. In order to attach to the sea floor, zebra shark eggs use fine fibers. Each egg is about 5 cm thick and 17 cm long.
When mature, zebra sharks can grow to 7 to 12 feet long. Their tails can be as long as half of their body length.
Lemon sharks
The Lemon Shark is a relatively large species of shark. Its name comes from its characteristic yellowish-brown coloring on the dorsal surface. This color helps it to blend in with the sandy beaches of the sea.
The Lemon Shark is found in warm waters throughout the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Ivory Coast of Africa. They prefer to live in shallow water, typically occupying areas around coral reefs and mangroves.
The Lemon Shark can be solitary or can form groups. They can live for over 25 years. However, their population is decreasing due to overfishing, climate change, and habitat loss.
Lemon Sharks are often caught as bycatch in gillnet and longline fisheries. They are also used for display in aquariums.
These sharks are nocturnal, hunting at night. They primarily eat crustaceans and bony fish. But they have been known to eat smaller sharks.
Lemon Sharks are known for their ability to form social bonds. In fact, they can form a social group of up to 20 individuals. Their social interaction provides communication, protection, and hunting opportunities.
The lemon shark can also recognize electrical signals from prey, similar to birds’ olfactory sense. These signals help the lemon shark to track its prey.