Sharks Sharks have very sharp teeth and lots of them. Sharks have many rows of teeth, one row behind the other. When teeth are broken or lost another tooth replaces it so that they always have a full set of knifelike teeth. Sharks don’t have the same type of bone as other fish. Their ‘bones’ are made of cartilage. Cartilage is the hard substance that gives shape to our ears. Shark skin is different too. It is rough and makes them feel like they are covered in sandpaper.

There are lots of different types (species) of sharks but many of them are not well known. Sharks have two dorsal fins on a streamlined body, this helps them to swim very fast.

Sharks can sense movement of other animals in the distance. They can tell the difference between normal movement and the movement of an injured fish. This ability, with a keen sense of smell means sharks are able to find food easily.

Many sharks feed mostly on octopus and will eat squid, rock lobsters, fish, peanut worms and seagrass.

Some types of shark give birth to live young, others lay eggs in cases. The egg cases vary a lot some are brown and feel a bit like leather. These egg cases are attached to seaweed or wedged into crevices in reefs by the adult shark. New born sharks are known as pups. As shark populations have become less around the world it is important for us to look after the sharks we have. This means strict controls on who can fish and when they can fish for them.

Sharks are at the top of their food chain. When animals in the food chain are over-fished or reduced in number the shark population will also become less. We need to care for sharks but also care for the fish they live off. Scientific and other names of some species Whiskery Shark (Furgaleus macki) Dusky Whaler (Carcharhinus obscurus) are also commonly named as dusky sharks, common or black whalers. Gummy Shark (Mustelus antarcticus) are also commonly named Australian smooth hounds and Sweet William. Whaler shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) Australian blacktip shark (Carcharhinus tilstoni) Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena)

What they look like
Shark have a steam-lined body that helps them to swim very fast. Sharks come in a range of sizes and colours. The most distinctive features are the skin, which is rough. They have gills at the side of their head and a long strong tail that helps them move very fast through the water.

Where they live
Sharks live in the open ocean. Egg laying females will come close to shore to attach their eggs to seagrass.