5 Misconceptions About Sharks

Sharks are probably one of the most misunderstood creatures on earth. Whether it’s because of their Hollywood portrayal (yes, Jaws, we’re looking at you), or the fact they live underwater, there’s a bunch of myths circulating about these beautiful, majestic fish (yes, they’re fish!). As we count down the days to Shark Week, we decided we’d debunk some of the worst myths out there, and set the story straight once and for all.

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July 01, 2021

By: Lucy Sherriff

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All sharks are vicious predators that hunt humans

In fact, the largest species of shark, the basking shark and whale shark — only feed on fish eggs and other tiny organisms. Sharks do not actively hunt humans; most human attacks are mistakes due to poor water visibility. Their preferred prey is fish and marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions. Recent research has indicated that shark attacks on humans in some parts of the world, such as the eastern US, Hawaii, and southern Australia, are on the rise. But scientists believe this is to do with the rise of fur seals along coastlines — a favorite prey of great white sharks, as well as rising human populations along coastlines and climate change shifting where sharks are congregating to search for food.

Sharks have no predators

The killer whale, which funnily enough has a much friendlier, wholesome reputation than sharks do, kill sharks. Recent research by scientists off the coast of California found orcas killed sharks in a surprising number of ways - including karate chopping them with overhead tail swipes and holding sharks upside down long enough to introduce a paralytic state called tonic immobility. Of course sharks are also under threat from us humans, with tens of millions killed every year.

Sharks can live without their fins

Shark fin soup is a delicacy in Asia, and the brutal fishing practice sees the sharks discarded, without their fins, back into the ocean while still alive. They cannot live without their fins, and sink to the bottom of the ocean as they are unable to swim effectively, where they die of suffocation or are eaten by other predators. Some countries have banned the practice of shark finning and require the entire shark to be brought into the port before the fins are removed. Contrary to what those who consume shark fin soup think, the fins offer no nutritional value, and in fact contain mercury, which can seriously effect your health.

All sharks are terrifying looking

Yes, some sharks, such as the hammerhead or great white, do look rather scary. However not all of them are large and torpedo-shaped. There are more than 400 species of shark, with the deepwater dogfish being just eight inches long, while the basking shark has teeth so tiny it doesn’t even use them for feeding.

Sharks lurk just below the ocean surface, ready to strike

Many species of shark are only found in the deep sea, including the greenland shark which hangs out around 4,000 and 7,200ft underwater, while the cookiecutter shark dives down to below 12,000ft. So no, that fin you thought you saw probably wasn’t a shark!