9 interesting facts about sharks

These predators usually appear on TV screens as purposeful killers, but in real life, they rarely harm people.

9 PHOTOS

1. People kill more sharks than sharks kill people.

It's true: sharks kill about six people a year around the world, while humans kill 75 to 100 million sharks.

2. Only three shark species are responsible for most attacks and deaths.

Of the more than 400 shark species out there, blunt sharks, tiger sharks, and white sharks are the most dangerous, but even with these groups, most attacks are driven by curiosity rather than hostility.

3. In the United States, sharks attack more often than in any other country, but there are fewer deaths.

Most attacks in the United States take place in Florida. In 2017, sharks attacked 31 people without provocation (there were other incidents when a bitten person tried to provoke a shark), but no one died.

4. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea.

They can grow up to 12 meters and weigh over 20 tons, making them about twice the size of most white sharks.

5. Sharks come in all sizes.

Dwarf flashlight sharks that can fit in the palm of your hand have been found in the Caribbean off the coast of Colombia and Venezuela, scientists believe they live at depths of more than 270 meters, according to the Smithsonian Institution.

6. Sharks occupy an important ecological niche.

Shark's role in preying on weaker species can be important. Sharks play a key role in oceanic ecosystems. Removing them from the chain can cause a domino effect that can affect other species, including corals and algae.

7. Great white sharks - travelers.

In 2005, a large white named Nicole sailed from Africa to Australia and returned nine months later, covering more than 19,000 kilometers in total.

8. Some sharks never stop swimming.

This does not apply to all species, but large whites, tigers, and mako sharks must move to breathe.

8. Some sharks never stop swimming.

Large whites live up to 70 years, and Greenland sharks live up to 400 years!