When it comes to sharks, are considered apex predators of the ocean and are feared by both marine animals and humans. Among such sharks, there are some which look quite scary due to their size and power. Let’s have a look at the top 10 scariest shark species residing in the oceans of the planet Earth.
Top 10 Scariest Shark Species
The top ten scariest sharks species are listed below:
1. Great White Shark
When it comes to the scariest sharks, the great white shark is at the top of the list, as it is also on the list of the most dangerous beasts. The Great White Shark can grow to be 20 feet long and weigh up to 5,000 pounds when fully mature. As a result, the Great White Shark represents power.
The great white shark is responsible for the majority of shark attacks, according to shark attack statistics. However, it is critical to emphasize that people are responsible for the vast majority of shark attacks.
Despite its frightening appearance and behavior, the species is vulnerable and has been classified as critically endangered by the IUCN.
2. Tiger Shark
Tiger sharks are distinguishable from sand tiger sharks by their tiger-like stripes. These stripes are there while you are young, but they progressively fade away. According to sharksinfo.com statistics, they can reach 14 feet in length and eat practically anything, including injured and dead sea creatures.
Because they do not discriminate, it is possible that they have assaulted 131 humans and killed 34 people over the years.
3. Bull Shark
The Bull shark is one of the most terrifying sharks on the globe, and it is also one of the deadliest sharks. They have thick, robust bodies and are medium-sized sharks. Their pectoral fins are long and their snout is small and blunt. They get their name from the fact that they headbutt their target like a bull before striking. They are fierce and protective of their homes.
They live in shallow seas where there are a lot of humans. A person out for a simple swim may unknowingly disturb these bull sharks. Bull sharks alone are responsible for approximately 75 shark attacks each year.
4. Shortfin Mako Shark
The Shortfin Mako has appeared and is terrifying. They are ferocious sharks with a lethal bite. With a bite of 3,000 pounds of power, they hold the record for the strongest shark bite (second only to the crocodile bite).
They are not the largest sharks at 12 feet long, but their menacing wide black eyes make up for it. Nine human attacks have been carried out by the Shortfin Mako, one of which resulted in death.
5. Oceanic Whitetip Shark
Oceanic White Tip sharks are large pelagic sharks that live in tropical and temperate environments. It’s mostly found at sea. This shark has the potential to be lethal to humans. These sharks have white spots on their initial dorsal, pectoral, and pelvic fins, as well as their upper and lower lobes.
Their upper body could be brown, grey, or bronze, while their lower body is white. This shark is typically the first to be spotted in waters following a mid-ocean catastrophe. The oceanic whitetip shark is a major threat to torpedoed boats and downed planes.
6. Blacktip Shark
The term Blacktip shark comes from the color of its fin tips. These 5-foot-long lesser grey sharks are distinguished by the black tips of their dorsal, pectoral, and tail fins. Another distinctive feature is that, like spinner sharks, they leap from the water and spin three to four times before returning to the water! These sharks have had 41 human attacks as a result of human contact over the years.
7. Basking Shark
You’d be worried if you were drifting pleasantly in the ocean and looked up to find a basking shark coming. With their massive, wide-open mouth, you’d think they’d devour you whole. However, these sharks are simply frightening in appearance; they graze on plankton and copepods, sifting the water with their mouths open. They are the world’s second-largest fish and can grow to be 39 feet long.
8. Wobbegong
With so many strong sharks on the market, you may be wondering how this relatively little species entered our list. Simple! Camouflage is something that the wobbegong brings to the table. And if the “Predator” film series has taught us anything, it’s to be afraid of camouflage.
The term “wobbegong” refers to 12 different species of carpet sharks, so named because of the way they sleep on the ocean floor, blending in with their surroundings. When a fish gets too close, the wobbegong hits with incredible force.
Despite being far too little to prey on humans, they have been known to attack when provoked. The bite is shockingly painful, and wobbegongs are notoriously difficult to dislodge once they’ve latched on.
9. Megamouth Shark
The megamouth shark is recognizable by its bronze and brown coloration. Like most sharks, its upper teeth are hook-shaped rather than directly pointed. They enjoy warm temperate ocean waters and are capable of attacking humans even when provoked.
When there is a food source nearby, they become aggressive and agitated, just like other sharks. They are migratory sharks that move throughout the winter months for food and reproduction.
10. Hammerhead Shark
Because of its unusually shaped head, it is without a doubt one of the most iconic and easily recognizable species in the ocean. In actuality, however, the phrase “Hammerhead Shark” actually refers to a range of species, the largest of which is the properly designated “Great Hammerhead”. If encountered, this species, which may grow to be up to 20 feet long, should be treated with extreme caution.
Unfortunately, these lovely creatures are considered critically endangered because of overfishing. They rarely attack humans, but when they do, they can cause devastating damage. Hammerheads are adaptable hunters who feed in groups during the day but hunt alone at night.
The Bottom Line
Great white shark, tiger shark, bull shark, basking shark, megamouth shark, blacktip shark, and oceanic whitetip shark are some scariest shark species. These have such scary and intimidating appearances that people always try to keep a safe distance from them, even though, some of them, like basking shark does not attack humans, they are still feared due to their size and looks.
