Sharks

What You Need to Know About Shark Species

Sharks belong to the class Chondrichthyes, a group of marine creatures whose skeletons are made of cartilage. They are known as excellent predators, recognized for their sharp teeth, strong fins, and fast swimming abilities. Some species can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h. Their sizes range from just a few centimeters to up to 6 meters, like the great white shark.

There are approximately 400 known species, and contrary to common belief, more than 90% of them avoid humans and do not pose a threat. Around 40 species are considered potentially dangerous, and among them, 12 species are particularly responsible for attacks on humans. The most dangerous ones include:

• The Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias): According to statistics, more than 30% of all recorded shark attacks are attributed to the great white shark. It often performs test bites to examine its prey, which is why some attacks may not be fatal. It usually releases its bite since human flesh lacks the high-fat content it prefers. This species typically feeds on seals and fatty fish, but sometimes attacks humans mistakenly, thinking they are seals.
• The Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier): This species has the second-highest number of recorded attacks on humans after the great white shark. It is among the deadliest species in terms of human attacks. Unlike the great white shark, which often lets go after biting, the tiger shark usually continues feeding on its prey. It tends to attack people swimming in shallow waters.
• The Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas): This is the only aggressive shark species capable of adapting to freshwater. It is considered even more aggressive than the great white shark, as it does not just bite and let go but instead continues attacking its target.
• The Oceanic Whitetip Shark (Carcharhinus longimanus): This species is most commonly involved in attacks on shipwreck survivors or people stranded at sea.
• The Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus): The world’s fastest shark, reaching speeds of 75 km/h. It primarily feeds on swordfish and tuna. Although documented attacks on humans are fewer, its bite can be lethal.

Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo hosts four shark species, including the Zebra Shark, Guitar Shark, Nurse Shark, and Blacktip Reef Shark. These species are generally known to be harmless to humans.

Let’s explore these sharks in more detail inside the aquarium!

Facts About the Zebra Shark

The Zebra Shark (Stegostoma fasciatum) is a species native to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific. It is particularly known for its striking black and white zebra-like stripes, which make it easily recognizable. This species is harmless to humans and may even allow divers to approach it. However, if disturbed or feeling threatened, it may defend itself, though such actions are purely for self-defense.

Zebra Sharks typically grow between 2,5 to 3,5 meters in length, although some individuals may exceed this size. While juveniles exhibit distinct zebra-like stripes, these patterns transform into spot-like markings as they mature. Zebra Sharks prefer shallow waters near coral reefs, where they inhabit sandy or muddy seabeds. These coral reef environments provide ideal conditions for both their feeding and breeding needs.

What Do Zebra Sharks Eat?

Zebra Sharks are active hunters both day and night. Their diet consists of various marine organisms, including:

• Small fish
• Crustaceans
• Mollusks
• Other invertebrates

Due to their bottom-dwelling nature, they can easily locate prey on the ocean floor. Their mouths are positioned close to the seabed, allowing them to efficiently capture and consume prey. With strong jaws and sharp teeth, they can effectively crush and devour hard-shelled marine animals.

Reproductive Behavior of Zebra Sharks

Zebra Sharks are generally solitary creatures and only come together during mating season. Females lay eggs in sandy or gravelly areas. Once the eggs hatch, the young sharks must fend for themselves as parental care is absent in this species. The hatchlings are completely independent from birth and rely on their instincts to survive.

Habitat of Zebra Sharks

Zebra Sharks prefer shallow waters, particularly around coral reefs. They are often found on sandy and muddy seabeds, which provide optimal conditions for both hunting and hiding. Coral reefs offer an ideal habitat for their feeding and reproductive needs.

Social Behavior of Zebra Sharks

Zebra Sharks are solitary by nature. Unlike some other shark species, they do not travel in groups and only interact with others during mating periods. This solitary lifestyle enhances their survival and hunting efficiency in the wild.

Facts About the Nurse Shark

The Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) is known for its calm nature and gentle behavior towards humans. In fact, it generally prefers to avoid human interaction. This species thrives in tropical regions and warm waters, usually found in coral reefs and sandy ocean floors. Among the harmless predators of the underwater world, Nurse Sharks are easily recognizable by their slow and steady movements.

Where Do Nurse Sharks Live?

Nurse Sharks prefer warm waters and tropical regions. They are most commonly found in coral reefs and sandy seabeds. Known for their gentle and slow movements, they are considered harmless to humans.

How Big Do Nurse Sharks Get?

Nurse Sharks can grow up to 2,5 to 3 meters in length. They have a dark gray or brownish body, with a lighter underside. Their elongated and flat body structure, small eyes, and wide mouth make them well-adapted for hunting on the seafloor.

What Do Nurse Sharks Eat?

Nurse Sharks are nocturnal hunters, meaning they hunt at night. Their diet consists mainly of:

• Small fish
• Crabs
• Clams
• Other small marine creatures

With their strong jaws and suction-powered mouths, they can easily capture and consume prey from the ocean floor. They often search for food between sand and rocks, catching their prey quickly and efficiently.

Reproductive Behavior of Nurse Sharks

Nurse Sharks are a viviparous species, meaning they give birth to live young. Females give birth to multiple pups at a time, and the newborns are fully developed and independent. As soon as they are born, they can survive on their own. Young sharks grow rapidly, reaching sexual maturity, and eventually establish their own territories.

Everything You Need to Know About the Blacktip Reef Shark

The Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) is a species of shark named after the black tips on its fins and is known for its agile movements. It prefers tropical and warm ocean waters, usually staying in shallow and coastal areas. With its powerful fins and streamlined body, this shark can swim at high speeds, making it an effective predator. Although they may follow humans, they do not attack.

Physical Characteristics of the Blacktip Reef Shark

These sharks typically grow between 1,3 to 1,8 meters in length. Both males and females have distinctive black-tipped fins, which are their most recognizable feature. Their body structure allows them to move easily and quickly through the water, enhancing their hunting abilities.

Where Do Blacktip Reef Sharks Live?

This species is commonly found in open waters of warm and tropical oceans, particularly in coral reefs. Coral reefs provide an ideal habitat for both feeding and social interaction. Blacktip Reef Sharks are social creatures and often move in groups, showcasing their hunting skills in a collective manner.

What Do Blacktip Reef Sharks Eat?

Blacktip Reef Sharks feed on small fish, squid, and other marine life. Due to their high speed, they chase and capture prey with ease, using sudden maneuvers to neutralize their targets. Their preferred hunting grounds include coral reefs and open sea regions, which offer an abundant food supply.

Reproductive Behavior of Blacktip Reef Sharks

These sharks are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. Females give birth to multiple pups at a time, and the newborns are fully developed and independent. They quickly develop their hunting skills and learn to survive on their own. The fast growth and early development of these young sharks contribute to the species’ success as a predator within the ecosystem.

Everything You Need to Know About the Guitar Shark

The Guitar Shark belongs to the Rhinobatidae family and gets its name from its unique body shape resembling a guitar. It is considered an intermediate species that shares characteristics of both sharks and rays. This species is commonly found in sandy and muddy ocean floors and is widespread in tropical and temperate seas worldwide. Frequently seen near coral reefs and shallow coastal waters, the Guitar Shark is a master of camouflage on the seabed.

Physical Characteristics of the Guitar Shark

Guitar Sharks, including Glaucostegus cemiculus and Glaucostegus typus, have a long and flat body. Their darker upper side and lighter underside help them blend seamlessly into the ocean floor. They generally range between 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) in length, though some species can grow even larger. While they do not typically pose a threat to humans, they may defensively react if they feel threatened.

What Do Guitar Sharks Eat?

Guitar Sharks are carnivorous and feed on:

• Invertebrates
• Small fish
• Other marine organisms

They are ambush predators, using their excellent sense of smell and keen vision to locate prey. These sharks can bury themselves in sand and wait for unsuspecting prey to pass by before striking with a sudden, swift movement. They specialize in hunting bottom-dwelling species and play an important role in the marine ecosystem.

Reproductive Behavior of Guitar Sharks

The reproductive methods of Guitar Sharks vary by species. Some lay eggs, while others give birth to live young.

• Egg-laying species deposit their eggs in protected sandy or muddy areas.
• Live-bearing species give birth to fully developed offspring, which are independent from birth.
• Regardless of the method, Guitar Shark pups are born ready to survive on their own.

Shark Species Found in Turkey

Many people wonder, “Are there sharks in Turkey?” The answer is yes. Since Turkey is surrounded by three different seas, sharks can be found in its waters. In fact, 38 different shark species have been recorded in Turkish seas, including the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Marmara, and Aegean Sea.

Some of the most commonly observed species include: Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna spp.), Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus), Blue Shark (Prionace glauca), Dogfish Shark (Squalidae family), Angel Shark (Squatina squatina),  Bluntnose Sixgill Shark (Hexanchus griseus), Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus)

Among these, the Great White Shark, Hammerhead Shark, Mako Shark, and Bluntnose Sixgill Shark are considered potentially dangerous. However, shark attacks in Turkey are extremely rare, with only a few recorded incidents over the years.

To observe various species of sharks up close, visit Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and get your tickets today!