Sharks are some of the most beautiful, powerful, yet misunderstood creatures on the planet. Below is a list of three of the biggest sharks that roam the seas. Most of these sharks are fairly tame, but not only are these sharks bigger than you, they also have some of the most intimidating names around!
Bigeye Thresher Shark
The scientific name of this magnificent animal is Alopias superciliosus. The largest recorded is 16 feet and weighs 800 lbs. But there is no danger to humans from this shark. Another fact is its eyes have been recorded as reaching a diameter of up to 3.9 inches! You’ll most likely see him on your temperature and tropical ocean dives. It feeds mainly on fish and squid, which it stuns via whip-like strikes of its long tail.
Bluntnose Sixgill Shark
Its scientific name is Haxanchus griseus, the largest recorded being 18 feet and weighing 880 lbs. The danger to humans is very little, and is often referred to colloquially as the ‘cow shark,’ because it is quite sluggish. Most of the other sharks in its family are extinct. It has more close relatives in the fossil record than living. The modern sixgill resembles many of the fossil sharks from the Triassic period.
Great Hammerhead Shark
The scientific name is Sphyma mokarran. The largest recorded is a whopping 20 feet and weighs 1280 lbs. There is significant danger to humans from these immense creatures, and they’re considered the most aggressive of hammerheads. This is likely aided by its large size and sharp teeth, but actual encounters are rare. Though if you do run into one, it will be in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, especially near coastal areas and the continental shelf. The great hammerhead can be distinguished from other hammerheads by the shape of its “hammer,” which is wide with an almost straight front margin.
