Sharks

Sharks have been swimming in the oceans for over 400 million years. That means they were here before the dinosaurs! There are more than 500 different kinds of sharks. Most sharks are not dangerous to people at all.

Amazing Shark Bodies

Sharks have skeletons made of cartilage instead of bone. Cartilage is the same bendy stuff in your ears and nose. Sharks never run out of teeth. When one falls out, a new one grows in. Some sharks go through thousands of teeth in their lifetime.

Different Sharks

The whale shark is the biggest fish in the world. It can grow over 40 feet long but only eats tiny plankton. The great white shark is one of the most famous predators. The smallest shark is the dwarf lanternshark, which fits in your hand.

Fun Facts

• Sharks can smell a drop of blood in 25 gallons of water.
• Some sharks must keep swimming to breathe.
• Whale sharks can live for over 100 years.

Did You Know?

Sharks do not have a single bone in their body! Their skeleton is made entirely of cartilage, which is lighter and more flexible than bone.