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Sharks are some of the most fascinating creatures on our planet, and the largest species can be truly awe-inspiring. Here are the 10 biggest sharks in the world, ranked by length:
1. Whale shark – up to 40 feet
2. Basking shark – up to 33 feet
3. Great white shark – up to 20 feet
4. Tiger shark – up to 18 feet
5. Megamouth shark – up to 18 feet
6. Greenland shark – up to 24 feet
7. Hammerhead shark – up to 20 feet
8. Thresher shark – up to 20 feet
9. Goblin shark – up to 13 feet
10. Sand tiger shark – up to 10 feet.
While these giants may seem intimidating, remember that sharks play a crucial role in the health of our oceans and should be respected and protected.
Wild Animals
Sharks have a reputation as vicious predators, but is this fear rational? While sharks are apex predators with powerful bodies built for speed, they are not as ferocious as they’re often made out to be. In fact, we’re more likely to be struck by lightning or bitten by another human than be eaten by a shark. Let’s take a look at the 10 biggest sharks in the world, in order of size.
1. Whale Shark
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is not only the biggest shark in the sea, but the biggest fish on the planet. Measuring up to 62 feet (19 meters) long, they mainly filter feed on plankton and pose no threat to humans. Sadly, they are an endangered species.
2. Basking Shark
The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is another filter feeder that poses no threat to humans. While not quite as large as the whale shark, they can measure up to 40 feet (12 meters) long and are still one of the biggest sharks in the world.
3. Tiger Shark
This particular tiger shark was seen at Tiger Beach in the Bahamas. Michael Bogner/Shutterstock
The tiger shark, also known as the leopard shark, spotted shark, or maneater shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), is the third largest shark. It can grow up to 24 feet (7.3 meters) in length, but is usually around 10 to 14 feet (3 to 4 meters) long and can weigh up to 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms). It has incredibly sharp and strong teeth that can even bite through a sea turtle’s shell and can swim up to 20 mph (32 kph). This shark is found in warm, tropical waters all over the world and is considered to be a Near Threatened species.
4. Great White Shark
Next on the list is the famous great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), known for being both terrifying in movies and in real life. These streamlined predators can reach speeds of up to 43 mph (69 kph) and can grow to be over 70 years old. Great whites can measure up to 23 feet (7 meters) long and have razor-sharp teeth. However, they prefer to eat dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea turtles, birds, or even the decaying flesh of dead animals rather than humans.
5. Megamouth Shark
The megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios), also known as the big mouth shark, is a filter feeder that captures plankton, jellyfish, shrimp, and copepods by swimming with its huge mouth wide open. This deepwater shark was first discovered in 1976 and is rarely seen by humans. The largest megamouth shark on record was 23 feet (7 meters) long, but they typically range from 13 to 18 feet (4 to 5.4 meters) in length and can weigh an astonishing 2,679 pounds (1,215 kilograms). With 50 rows of teeth on both its upper and lower jaws and glowing pores around its mouth, the megamouth shark is a very slow swimmer with a top speed of just 1.30 mph (2 kph). While their population is unknown, they are considered of Least Concern conservation status.
6. Greenland Shark
The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus), also known as the “Methuselah” of sharks, has the longest lifespan of any vertebrate animal in the world. Biologists estimate that this slow-moving fish can live up to 500 years. The Greenland shark can reach up to 21 feet (6.4 meters) in length and does not mate until it is around 150 years old. They gestate for eight to 18 years and can give birth to up to 10 pups. As a carnivore, this massive fish sneaks up on its prey while they sleep and attacks them.
7. Thresher Shark
The thresher shark (Alopias) weighs between 500 and 1,000 pounds (226 and 553 kilograms), grows up to 20 feet (6 meters) in length, and has a lifespan of 19 to 50 years. Found in temperate and tropical waters, the thresher shark prefers the open ocean outside of cold Arctic waters. This omnivorous shark has a distinctive, thresher-like tail that it uses to herd, stun, and kill its prey. It is capable of jumping higher than any other sea creature. Thresher sharks are not aggressive and pose little threat to humans. However, this family of sharks contains only one genus and three species, all of which are vulnerable to extinction.
8. Great Hammerhead Shark
The great hammerhead shark is an unusual-looking creature with an eye on each side of its head, and it has been swimming in Earth’s oceans for almost 20 million years. These sharks have long rectangular heads that allow for a 360-degree field of vision, and they are typically found in warm coastal waters and on the edges of continental plates. Great hammerheads are usually gray-green to olive-green in color with bright white bellies, and they can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) long. Females can average from 15 to 18 feet (4.5 to 5.4 meters) long, while males average about 12 feet (3.6 meters). Although there are nine species of hammerheads, most are small, with the great hammerhead being large enough to pose a threat to humans. Unfortunately, this ancient fish is critically endangered.
9. Bull Shark
Bull sharks have short, blunt snouts and are known for butting their prey with their heads before attacking. These carnivores are found in shallow tropical waters, and they can even swim far up freshwater rivers and live in freshwater lakes. They can range in length from 7 to 11 feet (2 to 3.3 meters) and weigh between 200 and 500 pounds (91 to 227 kilograms). Their top swimming speed is 25 mph (40 kph), and they are the third most aggressive shark species towards humans, after tiger sharks and great whites.
10. Sand Tiger Shark
The sand tiger shark, also known as the ragged-toothed shark, is a relatively peaceful species that can usually be seen swimming in circles in aquariums. These cold-eyed fish can live up to 35 years and grow up to 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters) long. They prowl close to shore in shallow, temperate waters and hunt bony fish, other sharks, crustaceans, squid, and rays. Unfortunately, due to overfishing, the sand tiger shark’s conservation status is critically endangered/vulnerable.
Now That’s Daunting
Did you know that Florida has the highest number of shark attacks in the world? In 2022, the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) recorded 57 unprovoked shark attacks and 32 provoked attacks worldwide. Out of these, 16 took place in Florida.
FAQ
What are the 10 biggest sharks in the world?
The 10 biggest sharks in the world, from smallest to largest, are the shortfin mako, the bronze whaler, the tiger shark, the bull shark, the great hammerhead shark, the blacktip shark, the blue shark, the lemon shark, the oceanic whitetip shark, and the whale shark. These sharks can range in size from just over 9 feet long to over 40 feet long, and can weigh anywhere from a few hundred pounds to over 20 tons.
Which of the 10 biggest sharks is the fastest?
The shortfin mako is considered the fastest shark in the world, and can swim at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. This shark is also known for its sharp teeth and powerful jaws, which allow it to catch and eat a wide range of prey, including smaller sharks, squid, and fish.
Are any of the 10 biggest sharks dangerous to humans?
Several of the 10 biggest sharks are considered potentially dangerous to humans, including the tiger shark, the bull shark, and the great hammerhead shark. These sharks have been known to attack humans in certain situations, such as when they mistake a person for prey or feel threatened. However, it is important to remember that shark attacks are very rare, and most sharks are not interested in attacking humans.
What is the biggest shark in the world?
The biggest shark in the world is the whale shark, which can grow to be over 40 feet long and weigh over 20 tons. Despite its massive size, the whale shark is a gentle giant that feeds on plankton and small fish. These sharks are often found in warm waters around the world, and are a popular attraction for divers and snorkelers.
What is the smallest of the 10 biggest sharks?
The smallest of the 10 biggest sharks is the shortfin mako, which can grow to be just over 9 feet long. Despite its small size, this shark is known for its speed and agility, and is considered one of the most dangerous sharks in the world.
Are any of the 10 biggest sharks endangered?
Several of the 10 biggest sharks are considered endangered or vulnerable, including the great hammerhead shark, the oceanic whitetip shark, and the whale shark. These sharks are threatened by overfishing, habitat loss, and other factors, and are in need of conservation efforts to help protect their populations.
What is the lifespan of the 10 biggest sharks?
The lifespan of the 10 biggest sharks varies depending on the species, but can range from around 20-30 years for smaller sharks like the blacktip shark, to over 100 years for larger sharks like the whale shark. Factors that can affect a shark’s lifespan include its size, diet, habitat, and other environmental factors.
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