How Many Species of Sharks Exist: Everything You Need to Know
Bull Shark | Getty Images
Sharks: ancient, mysterious, and often very misunderstood creatures. These iconic ocean predators, classified as cartilaginous fish within the class Chondrichthyes, have roamed Earth’s waters for over 400 million years, long before dinosaurs ever took their first steps on land. Evolving before trees, sharks have outlived multiple mass extinctions and continue to adapt in ways that still astonish scientists today. But despite their long history and starring roles in pop culture, most people still have basic questions like: How many species of shark are there? Or even, do sharks have hair? (Yes, a very common question, and spoiler alert: no, they don’t.)
In this blog, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about shark species: how many exist, how they evolved, what makes them different, which ones are the most dangerous, and why their survival matters more than ever.
A Quick History: The Evolution of Sharks
Sharks have been on Earth for over 400 million years, predating dinosaurs, mammals, and even trees. The oldest known shark-like fossils date back to the Silurian period, with recognizable shark features appearing in the Devonian period, often dubbed the “Age of Fishes.” Cartilaginous fishes, the evolutionary lineage to which modern sharks belong, have diversified over millions of years since the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction.
Unlike bony fish, sharks belong to a class called Chondrichthyes, meaning their skeletons are made of cartilage, not bone. Over millions of years ago, they evolved into apex predators with remarkable adaptations: electroreception, replaceable teeth, and highly efficient swimming abilities. This long evolutionary lineage makes sharks some of the most refined and ecologically vital animals in the ocean.
How Many Species of Shark Are There in the World?
As of 2025, scientists have officially identified over 540 species of sharks, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Smithsonian Institute. These species range from tiny, bottom-dwelling sharks less than 20 cm long to enormous filter feeders like the whale shark. One of the largest shark species is the basking shark, known for its filter-feeding habits and harmless nature.
These sharks are classified into eight major orders, each representing a broad evolutionary branch:
Carcharhiniformes – Ground sharks (e.g., tiger shark, bull shark)
Lamniformes – Mackerel sharks (e.g., great white, mako)
Orectolobiformes – Carpet sharks (e.g., whale shark, wobbegong)
Hexanchiformes – Frilled and cow sharks (considered ancient or primitive)
Squaliformes – Dogfish sharks, many of which inhabit deep-sea environments
Squatiniformes – Angel sharks, flattened like rays and often ambush predators
Heterodontiformes – Bullhead sharks, found in rocky reef environments
Pristiophoriformes – Sawsharks, named for their elongated, saw-like snouts
New species are still being discovered, particularly in deep and understudied ocean regions. Genetic studies and advanced tracking technology continue to reshape our understanding of how many shark species are in the world. The blue shark, with its distinctive blue coloration, large eyes, and migratory behavior, is another fascinating species that highlights the diversity within the shark family.
Sharks of the World Infographic by Wildlife Nomads
Classification of Sharks
Sharks are classified into several orders, each showcasing unique characteristics and evolutionary traits. This classification helps scientists understand their physical features, behaviors, and relationships within the marine ecosystem.
Orders of Sharks
There are eight primary orders of sharks, each with distinct features that set them apart:
Carcharhiniformes (Ground Sharks): This order includes some of the most well-known sharks like the bull shark, tiger shark, and sand tiger shark. They are characterized by their five gill slits, moveable eyelids, and two spineless dorsal fins.
Heterodontiformes: Known as bullhead sharks, these species are often found in rocky reef environments and have a unique appearance with a pig-like snout.
Hexanchiformes (Six-Gilled Sharks): These ancient sharks have more than the typical five gill slits and include species like the frilled shark.
Lamniformes (Mackerel Sharks): This order includes the great white shark and mako shark, known for their speed and predatory skills.
Orectolobiformes: This group includes carpet sharks like the whale shark and wobbegong, known for their distinctive patterns and bottom-dwelling habits.
Pristiophoriformes (Sawsharks): Named for their elongated, saw-like snouts, these sharks use their unique snouts to hunt prey.
Squaliformes: This diverse order includes dogfish sharks, many of which inhabit deep-sea environments.
Squatiniformes: Known as angel sharks, these species are flattened like rays and are often ambush predators.
Each order represents a broad evolutionary branch, showcasing the incredible diversity and adaptability of shark species.
Types of Sharks: Exploring the Diversity
Let’s meet some of the standout shark species that showcase the diversity of this incredible animal group.
Deep sea sharks, such as the elusive megamouth shark, inhabit the depths of the ocean and possess unique features like glowing pores around their mouths to attract prey through filter feeding, showcasing remarkable adaptations to their deep-sea environments.
1. Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
The largest fish in the sea, whale sharks can grow up to 12 meters long and weigh over 20 tons. Despite their size, they are gentle filter feeders, consuming plankton, krill, and small fish by swimming with their enormous mouths wide open. Found in warm tropical oceans around the world, they often migrate long distances and are popular with ecotourists in places like Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and Ningaloo Reef in Australia, which are among the best places to swim with whale sharks in the world.
Similarly, basking sharks, which are classified as mackerel sharks, are also filter-feeding giants that do not hunt prey and are harmless to humans.
Whale Shark | Indian Ocean Imagery
2. Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias)
Perhaps the most famous shark species, the great white is a powerful apex predator found in temperate coastal waters. It can grow up to 6 meters long and is equipped with rows of razor-sharp teeth that are constantly replaced throughout its life. Despite their fearsome reputation, attacks on humans are rare, and great whites play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems by regulating prey populations.
Great White Shark | Lindsay Imagery
3. Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrnidae family)
Hammerheads are known for their distinct T-shaped heads, which enhance their ability to sense electric fields emitted by prey. This adaptation gives them an advantage when hunting bottom-dwelling creatures like stingrays. Hammerheads are found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide and are known to form massive schools during migration seasons.
Hammerhead Shark | Photo by Nigel Marsh
4. Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus)
Living in the icy depths of the North Atlantic, the Greenland shark is one of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth, with some individuals estimated to be over 400 years old. These slow-moving sharks inhabit deep waters and feed on fish, seals, and carrion. Their longevity is still being studied, offering insights into aging and deep-sea adaptation.
Greenland shark | Photo by Dotte hippo
5. Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni)
The goblin shark is a rarely seen deep-sea species with a distinctive elongated snout and a protrusible jaw that shoots forward to snatch prey. Found at depths of up to 1,200 meters, this pink-hued shark looks like a relic from another era—earning it the nickname “living fossil.” Goblin sharks are known for their ancient lineage and unique physical characteristics, such as their sword-like protrusion on the head and large size.
Goblin Shark | Dianne Bray / Museum Victoria, via Wikimedia Commons
6.Blue Shark (Prionace glauca)
Known for its striking indigo coloration and sleek build, the blue shark is one of the most widely distributed shark species in the world. Found in both temperate and tropical oceans, they are fast swimmers and often travel in large schools. While not typically dangerous to humans, they are unfortunately one of the most heavily fished shark species.
Blue Shark | Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
7. Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
Often referred to as the fastest shark in the ocean, the shortfin mako can reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour. It’s a formidable predator, with a streamlined body and incredible agility. Mako sharks are known to leap out of the water and are a favorite among sport fishers, although they face serious threats from overfishing and bycatch.
Mako Shark | Photo by Rob Atherthon
8. Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
Recognizable by the dark vertical stripes on its body, the tiger shark is a powerful predator found in tropical and subtropical waters. Known for their scavenging habits, tiger sharks are often called the “garbage cans of the sea” because they eat a wide variety of prey. Despite their reputation, they are crucial to ocean health.
Tiger Shark | Photo by Howard Chen
9. Thresher Shark (Alopias spp.)
Thresher sharks are famous for their long, whip-like tails, which they use to stun schools of fish before feeding. Their unique tail can be as long as their body, making them stand out among pelagic species. Found in deep offshore waters, threshers are shy and rarely seen by divers.
Thresher Shark | Thomas Alexander, via Wikimedia Commons
10. Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus)
Second in size only to the whale shark, the basking shark is another gentle giant of the ocean. These filter feeders can grow up to 10 meters long and are found in cool temperate waters. Despite their massive size and gaping mouths, basking sharks pose no threat to humans and feed on plankton.
Baskin Shark | Pixabay
11. Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata)
The leopard shark is a beautifully patterned species native to the Pacific coast of North America, particularly abundant in the kelp forests and sandy bottoms of California. With its sleek, silver-gray body adorned with dark saddle-like blotches and spots, it resembles a swimming work of art. Reaching lengths of up to 2 meters, the leopard shark is a docile bottom-dweller that feeds on crabs, shrimp, worms, and small fish. Often seen cruising in shallow bays and estuaries, this shark is a favorite among divers and snorkelers due to its calm nature.
Leopard Shark in Kelp Forest | Photo by Barbara, Getty Images
What Is the #1 Deadliest Shark?
Though shark attacks are exceedingly rare, a few species are responsible for most recorded incidents. According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), the following three species are most commonly involved in unprovoked attacks:
Great White Shark – Responsible for the most fatal encounters, often due to curiosity.
Tiger Shark – Known for eating almost anything, including garbage.
Bull Shark – Can survive in both saltwater and freshwater, often found near river mouths.
Even so, shark attacks average around 70–100 incidents per year worldwide, with fatalities being incredibly rare. For perspective, you're more likely to be struck by lightning or injured by a falling coconut.
Where Do Sharks Live?
Sharks are found in every ocean on Earth, from the warm shallows of coral reefs to the pitch-black depths of the abyssal plain. They live in:
Coral reefs (e.g., blacktip reef sharks, reef whitetips)
Open ocean (e.g., blue sharks, makos)
Coastal shallows (e.g., nurse sharks, bonnetheads)
Deep sea (e.g., gulper sharks, ghost sharks)
Freshwater rivers (e.g., bull sharks in the Amazon and Mississippi)
Sharks are found from the surface to depths beyond 2,000 meters. Some, like the whale shark, travel thousands of kilometers to feed and breed.
Do Sharks Have Hair?
It might sound silly, but it’s a surprisingly common question: do sharks have hair? The answer is a firm no. Sharks are not mammals—they are fish. They do not have fur or hair follicles. Instead, their skin is covered with dermal denticles—microscopic, tooth-like scales that provide a rough texture and improve hydrodynamics. These denticles reduce drag and make sharks incredibly efficient swimmers, which is especially useful when ambushing prey.
How Many Shark Species Are Endangered?
According to the IUCN Red List, about 37% of all known shark species are currently threatened with extinction. This includes:
31 species listed as Critically Endangered
73 species listed as Endangered
113 species listed as Vulnerable
Endangered sharks face significant threats from human activities such as overfishing and habitat destruction, leading to declining populations. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect these important marine creatures from extinction.
Whale sharks are currently listed as endangered by the IUCN
Major Threats:
Overfishing and bycatch: Overfishing, including shark fishing, has led to a significant decline in shark populations. The demand for shark fins has exacerbated this issue, causing severe ecological consequences. There is an urgent need for protective legislation and conservation efforts to combat this problem.
Shark finning (especially for shark fin soup)
Pollution and habitat degradation
Climate change affecting prey and breeding cycles
Critically Endangered Examples:
Pondicherry Shark – Thought extinct for decades, now critically endangered
Scalloped Hammerhead – Targeted for its fins and slow to reproduce
Angel Sharks – Once widespread, now almost vanished from European waters
Why Are Sharks Important?
Sharks play essential roles in marine food webs. As apex predators, they:
Regulate prey populations
Promote reef health by preventing overgrazing
Scavenge the sick and dead, reducing disease
Without sharks, ecosystems can become unbalanced, leading to cascading effects like coral reef collapse or overpopulation of smaller predatory fish.
Shark Research and Discovery
Shark research and discovery are dynamic fields that continually enhance our understanding of these fascinating creatures. Researchers study various aspects of shark biology, behavior, and ecology, as well as the impacts of human activities on shark populations.
One of the most exciting areas of shark research is the discovery of new species. For instance, the megamouth shark, discovered in 1976, is a deep-sea species with a unique mouth and jaw structure that allows it to filter feed on plankton. Similarly, the goblin shark, with its distinctive elongated snout and protrusible jaw, has intrigued scientists since its discovery. These discoveries highlight the incredible diversity of shark species and their adaptations to different marine environments.
Shark research also focuses on understanding shark anatomy and physiology, such as their electroreception abilities, which allow them to detect the electrical signals emitted by prey. Studies on shark behavior and ecology provide insights into their migratory patterns, social structures, and feeding habits.
Conservation efforts greatly benefit from shark research. By understanding shark populations and their habitats, scientists can develop effective strategies to protect these species from threats like overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. Research on shark-human interactions also helps mitigate conflicts and promote coexistence.
Overall, shark research and discovery are crucial for advancing our knowledge of these ancient and vital marine predators, ensuring their survival for future generations.
Cool Facts About Sharks
They don’t get cancer easily, making them subjects of medical research.
Some glow in the dark, like the lanternshark.
They use electroreception to locate prey, detecting electrical signals from muscle contractions.
Some lay eggs (oviparous), while others give live birth (viviparous).
Sharks never stop growing teeth, with some losing over 30,000 in a lifetime.
How You Can Help Sharks
Whether you’re a diver, ocean lover, or just someone who appreciates nature, you can help protect sharks:
Support marine protected areas and sanctuaries
Say no to shark fin products
Choose sustainable seafood (check the Seafood Watch guide)
Donate to reputable conservation orgs like Shark Conservation Fund, Oceana, or WildAid
Educate others—fear stems from misunderstanding
Sharks Are Worth Saving
So, how many species of sharks are there in the world? Over 540, and more are being discovered every year. Each species is a product of millions of years of evolution, uniquely adapted to thrive in its niche.
But sharks face unprecedented pressure. Our collective choices—from what we eat to how we vote—will determine whether these majestic animals continue to roam our oceans.
Let’s work to ensure future generations can still look into the deep blue and wonder at the marvel that is the shark.
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Where Can I swim or Scuba Dive with Sharks?
Many places in the world are great to experience shark in the wild. Previously, we wrote an article about the best places in the world to swim and dive with sharks. You can also fin experiences below:
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