Sharks have had the oceans as their home for over 400 million years, outlasting dinosaurs and surviving mass extinctions. Today, there are more than 450 known species, from colossal whale sharks (upto 50ft long but harmless) to tiny bioluminescent lantern sharks (mere 6 inches). New species are still being discovered.
A recently discovered species, in 2025, is the Guitar shark, found 200 m deep off Mozambique,Tanzania.
Despite their ancient lineage, sharks are far more than toothy predators. They’re vital to marine ecosystems, wildly diverse, and sometimes downright adorable.
They contribute to the ecosystem by eating sick or overabundant fish and marine mammals, sharks prevent any one species from taking over. Moreover, many sharks migrate long distances, helping to stir and recycle nutrients throughout the ocean layers.
Overfishing of sharks, or removal of their prey, has led to trouble for marine life. For instance, fewer sharks can mean more predators that overeat shellfish. That leads to coral decline.
Conservationists warn that maintaining healthy shark populations is crucial for the health of the entire ocean.
When we talk variety, sharks have it all.
Whale sharks are the largest since they grow up to 50 feet long, which can be surprising since they feed only on plankton. At the other end of the scale, dwarf lantern sharks glow in the dark and the light also serves to attract smaller prey in darker water.
Some, like the Hammerhead sharks, use their wide heads to enhance their senses. Others, like Epaulette sharks, use their fins to walk along the sea floor.
Even today, scientists are cataloging new species. In recent years, researchers discovered the “Demon Catshark”, a deep-sea creature with large and light-sensitive eyes. New types of Ghost sharks that are more cartoonish than creepy. These new finds prove the ocean is still full of surprises.
Despite their image in movies, sharks are not out to get us. According to many researches, there are fewer than 60 unprovoked shark bites worldwide per year and fatal ones are incredibly rare. You’re more likely to be struck by lightning than be attacked by a shark for no reason.
Most sharks avoid humans. We’re not their preferred food, and many bites are cases of mistaken identity. Still, tens of millions of sharks are killed by humans each year, mostly for their fins or through bycatch. It’s not sharks we need to fear, it’s losing them.
What is our take away?
Sharks are not monsters. They’re ancient, essential, fascinating creatures that keep our oceans alive. They’re also deeply misunderstood and threatened. The more one learns about them, the more they realise that sharks deserve respect rather than fear
So the next time you hear dramatic music when someone says “shark,” remember: behind the teeth are creatures of grace, purpose, and even charm.