dive into the world of sharks

Carcharhinus falciformis, known as the silky shark, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical seas. However, this species is threatened due to overfishing, and is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. Recognizable by its elongated and slender body, gray back, and white belly, this fast and aggressive predator feeds on fish, mollusks, and crustaceans.

The bull shark is listed in most tropical and subtropical seas. It is feared due to its propensity to attack humans, being responsible for most recorded fatal attacks to date. This active predator primarily hunts in murky waters. It is capable of swimming long distances and adapts to changes in salinity, frequenting estuaries, coves along the coasts, and waters with high turbidity.

The blacktip reef shark is viviparous and gestation lasts about a year. The litter varies from 2 to 4 juveniles, measuring about 40 centimeters. After giving birth, the female abandons it juveniles. If disturbed, this small sized shark, may attack. It gets into the Mediterranean more and more often via the Suez Canal.

Carcharodon carcharias, known as the white shark, is found in the coastal and oceanic waters of temperate and sub-tropical oceans and seas worldwide. A solitary predator, it feeds on fish, sharks, rays, and marine mammals, and can also scavenge on whale carcasses. With a keen sense of sight, it is curious and observant towards objects and activities. It is sometimes responsible for attacks on surfers.

The tiger shark is the third largest shark in the world. It is recognizable by its distinctive stripes along its sides, and by its short, flat snout. Tiger sharks are opportunistic hunters, known for their "bite-and-see" exploratory behavior to assess the nutritional value of their prey. These sharks generally prefer shallow waters, but can sometimes be found at greater depths.

The atlantic nurse shark is found in the Atlantic Ocean, from the Gulf of Mexico to southern Brazil. It spends most of the day resting under rocky shelters or in caves. This nocturnal predator feeds mainly on crustaceans, sea urchins, mollusks, and fish. It is oviparous and reaches sexual maturity at around 220 cm.

The blue shark, also known as the "blue skin shark," is a pelagic predator found in temperate and tropical marine waters, with occasional sightings near the coast. Its wide distribution, however, is threatened by overfishing. Recognizable by its blue back and white belly, this sleek-bodied shark mainly feeds on small fish, mollusks, cephalopods, and sometimes birds.

The whale shark, the largest living shark in the world, frequents tropical and subtropical waters, excluding the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its massive size, it is harmless to humans. Its population has declined due to fishing, and its conservation remains a challenge. These sharks move slowly and feed on plankton, small fish, crustaceans, and squid. They undertake seasonal migrations, and some populations are relatively isolated. Concerns have been raised about the impacts of tourism on their behavior.

It breeds easily in captivity. During mating, which can last between 30 and 45 minutes, the male forms a loop around the body of the female. Its flesh is edible, but it liver is toxic. Its reproductive behavior has been studied at the University of Liège.

It is especially active at dusk. During the day, it stays on the bottom. It can close it eyes with a sort of eyelids. Its flesh is edible, but it liver is toxic! Its eggs can be incubated and hatched in an aquarium.

The scalloped hammerhead shark, a semi-oceanic hammerhead, is found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. This species is easily recognizable by its curved flat head and black tips on the pectoral fins. These sharks feed on fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans, taking advantage of their flat head to make tight turns while hunting. Although potentially dangerous and aggressive towards intruders, attacks on humans are rare. Conversely, despite its wide distribution, this species is threatened with extinction.

The Eastern Angel Shark, endemic to the east coast of Australia, faces a serious threat due to overfishing, with population losses of 96% in some regions over 20 years. It is currently classified as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN. Unlike its Mediterranean cousins, which are critically endangered, S. albipunctata remains relatively common in less exploited areas. This nocturnal species prefers sandy bottoms and lives up to 415 meters deep, hiding during the day and hunting at night.

Formerly widespread along the European coasts, the angelshark is now one of the most endangered species in the world. This species, which can reach 2.50 meters in length, was a symbol of the Mediterranean Sea, but its population has declined over the years. Despite protection and regulation measures, it remains vulnerable to accidental catches linked to flatfish fishing. Angelsharks hide in the seabed during the day and hunt near the bottom at night, feeding primarily on flatfish and other benthic creatures. They undertake seasonal migrations for reproduction from north to south in oceanic areas.