Ten facts about sharks that challenge the usual image

In films and popular culture, sharks are frequently portrayed as frightening predators, but the real picture looks quite different. According to National Geographic, these marine animals are diverse and vulnerable, and statistics suggest their danger to humans is overstated. In 2025, 65 unprovoked shark bites were recorded worldwide, with only nine deaths classified as unprovoked — by comparison, nearly half of Britain's population gets sunburned at least once a year.

An ancient and diverse group

Shark ancestors appeared in the oceans more than 400 million years ago, long before dinosaurs. Today more than 500 species are known, ranging from the dwarf lanternshark, just a few centimeters long, to the whale shark, which exceeds 12 meters and is the largest fish on Earth. Some species, such as the Greenland shark, can live for several hundred years.

Unusual abilities

Some deep-sea species are bioluminescent, producing a faint glow that helps them camouflage or hunt in darkness. Sharks also have special receptors that let them detect weak electrical fields in water, along with an excellent sense of smell and sight. Their teeth regenerate throughout their lives — some species can go through tens of thousands of teeth over a lifetime.

Humans are the bigger threat

Although sharks are often seen as dangerous to people, the reverse is closer to the truth — commercial fishing kills an estimated 100 million sharks every year. Because many species grow slowly and reach sexual maturity late, their populations can take decades to recover, making intensive fishing a serious threat to their survival.