The Most Popular Type of Shark, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the type you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:53
Think about the ocean, a mysterious world where countless creatures live, each more fascinating than the last. Among these are sharks, awe-inspiring and often misunderstood. Ranking the most popular sharks helps to shed light on these incredible creatures, illuminating their unique traits and behaviors that captivate marine enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
By participating in this ranking, you contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of sharks. Your votes help identify which sharks capture people's interest the most, providing insights into public perception and awareness. Additionally, this engagement encourages learning and fosters a greater connection with marine life, promoting conservation efforts and informative discussions.
What Is the Most Popular Type of Shark?
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162votesThe great white shark is arguably the most famous and feared shark species, thanks in part to its reputation as a "man-eater" and its appearances in popular culture.The Great white shark, also known as Carcharodon carcharias, is a large predatory shark that is widely recognized for its size, power, and fearsome appearance. It is one of the most popular and well-known shark species in the world.
- Average Length: 4.6-6.4 meters (15-21 feet)
- Weight: up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds)
- Color: Dark gray or blue-gray on the upper body, white on the underside
- Teeth: Large, triangular, serrated teeth up to 7.6 centimeters (3 inches) long
- Speed: Up to 56 kilometers per hour (35 miles per hour)
Great white shark in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most scary animal
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225votes
Tiger shark
Carl LinnaeusThe tiger shark is known for its voracious appetite and is often considered a top predator in its habitat.The Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is a large predatory shark known for its distinctive striped pattern. It is one of the most popular types of sharks among divers and researchers due to its unique characteristics and behavior.- Average length: 10 to 14 ft (3 to 4.3 m)
- Average weight: 850 to 1,400 lbs (385 to 635 kg)
- Maximum length: Up to 18 ft (5.5 m)
- Maximum weight: Up to 1,900 lbs (862 kg)
- Coloration: Gray to bluish-green with dark vertical stripes
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312votesThe bull shark is known for its aggressive behavior and ability to thrive in both saltwater and freshwater environments.The Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) is a large, aggressive shark that is commonly found in coastal and freshwater environments. It is known for its robust build and short, blunt snout. The Bull shark has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous shark species to humans due to its ability to tolerate freshwater and its presence in shallow waters frequented by people. It is also an apex predator, feeding on a variety of fish, marine mammals, and other sharks.
- Size: Average length of 7 to 11 feet (2.1 to 3.4 meters)
- Weight: Typically between 200 to 500 pounds (90 to 230 kilograms)
- Habitat: Coastal waters, estuaries, rivers, and lakes
- Diet: Varied diet including fish, dolphins, turtles, birds, and other sharks
- Behavior: Aggressive, territorial, and adaptable to both saltwater and freshwater environments
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419votesHammerhead sharks are known for their unique head shape, which provides them with enhanced vision and maneuverability.The Hammerhead shark is a distinct type of shark known for its unusual hammer-shaped head, which is called a cephalofoil. This unique head structure allows for enhanced vision and sensory perception. The eyes are positioned on the outer edges of the head, giving the shark a 360-degree field of vision.
- Scientific name: Sphyrnidae
- Average length: 13 to 20 feet (4 to 6 meters)
- Weight: 500 to 1,000 pounds (227 to 454 kilograms)
- Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
- Habitat: Tropical and warm temperate coastal waters worldwide
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520votesThe nurse shark is a relatively docile species that is commonly found in shallow waters.The Nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) is a species of shark known for its docile and sluggish nature. It has earned its name from the belief that it resembles a nursemaid due to its suckling-like feeding habits. These sharks are commonly found in shallow coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and the eastern Pacific Ocean.
- Average size: Up to 14 ft (4.3 m) long
- Weight: Up to 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Color: Yellowish-brown to dark brown
- Distinct features: Barbels on its lower lip, rounded dorsal fin, and a thick, muscular body
- Diet: Primarily feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish
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67votes
The blacktip shark is a common species in tropical and subtropical waters, known for its high energy and acrobatic displays.The Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) is a species of requiem shark known for its distinctive black-tipped fins. It is widely recognized as one of the most popular types of sharks due to its appearance, behavior, and widespread distribution. Blacktip sharks are medium-sized sharks with a streamlined body and a pointed snout. They are characterized by their black-tipped dorsal, pectoral, and tail fins, which contrast with their bluish-gray to brownish-gray body coloration. These sharks are highly agile and known for their impressive jumping ability.- Average Length: approximately 5 to 6.5 feet (1.5 to 2 meters)
- Weight: around 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms)
- Habitat: coastal waters, including shallow bays, coral reefs, and adjacent offshore areas
- Geographical Range: tropical and subtropical waters around the world, especially in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions
- Diet: predominantly feeds on small bony fish, but also consumes squid, shrimp, and crustaceans
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72votes
Albert kok · CC BY-SA 3.0Lemon shark
Jean-Baptiste DuvernoyThe lemon shark is a large and powerful species that is found in both shallow and deep waters.The Lemon shark, also known as Negaprion brevirostris, is a species of shark found primarily in the subtropical and tropical regions of the Atlantic Ocean. It is named after its yellowish-brown coloration, resembling the fruit lemon.- Scientific Name: Negaprion brevirostris
- Family: Carcharhinidae
- Size: Up to 11 feet (3.4 meters)
- Weight: Up to 430 pounds (195 kilograms)
- Habitat: Coastal, nearshore waters
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87votes
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0The blue shark is a highly migratory species that is often caught by commercial fishermen.The Blue shark, scientifically known as Prionace glauca, is a species of requiem shark and one of the most commonly encountered sharks in the world. It gets its name from the blue coloration of its skin and is widely recognized for its sleek and streamlined body shape.- Average Size: Around 6 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3.8 meters)
- Weight: Up to 400 pounds (180 kilograms)
- Coloration: Distinctively blue on top, transitioning to a lighter shade on the sides and white on the belly
- Habitat: Open ocean, usually found far from shore
- Diet: Feeds on a variety of prey including fish, squid, and small sharks
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911votes
Chevrolet pre-1978 · Public domainMako shark
Anders Jahan RetziusThe mako shark is one of the fastest species of shark, capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.The Mako shark is a highly regarded species known for its incredible speed and agility in the ocean. It belongs to the Lamnidae family and is scientifically known as Isurus oxyrinchus. It was first described by the Swedish naturalist Anders Jahan Retzius in 1818.- Average Length: 10 feet (3.2 meters)
- Maximum Length: 13 feet (4 meters)
- Weight Range: 200 to 300 pounds (90 to 135 kilograms)
- Speed: Estimated to reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour (74 kilometers per hour)
- Coloration: Distinctive blue on the upper body and white on the underbelly
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104votesThe whale shark is the largest species of shark and can grow up to 40 feet in length. Despite its size, it is a filter feeder that feeds primarily on plankton.The whale shark is the largest species of shark and the largest fish in the world. It is a slow-moving filter feeder and belongs to the family Rhincodontidae. Its distinct appearance includes a wide mouth, a flattened head, and a pattern of white spots on a dark gray or brownish body coloration. These gentle giants are not a threat to humans, as they primarily feed on plankton, small fish, and squid.
- Scientific Name: Rhincodon typus
- Average Length: 10-14 meters (33-46 ft)
- Average Weight: 20.6 metric tons (45,499 lbs)
- Diet: Plankton, small fish, and squid
- Habitat: Tropical and warm-temperate seas
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Ranking factors for popular type
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Threat levelSharks that are known to be more dangerous to humans, such as the Great White Shark, may be more popular due to their notoriety.
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SizeBigger sharks, such as the Whale Shark, often generate more interest and curiosity due to their size and unique characteristics.
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AppearanceSharks with distinctive features or unusual appearance, such as the Hammerhead Shark, may be more popular among those who appreciate their unique beauty.
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Geographic distributionSharks that are found in more widely accessible locations, such as the Caribbean Reef Shark, may be more commonly observed and thus more popular.
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Pop cultureThe way in which sharks are portrayed in popular media, such as in movies or television shows, can also influence their popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of shark. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2053 views
- 169 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular type of shark
Sharks are one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. With over 500 different species, they come in all shapes and sizes. From the massive whale shark to the small dwarf lantern shark, these apex predators have captured the imagination of people for centuries. But which type of shark is the most popular? According to our StrawPoll data, there are a few species that stand out as fan favorites. Let's dive deeper into the world of sharks and discover which one reigns supreme in popularity.
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