In line with the SHARK AWARENESS DAY, here’s a few shark myths debunked to help you get your facts straight!
It’s about time we start to leave JAWS reference in the trash where it belongs.
MYTH 1: All sharks have lots of big, sharp teeth
There are more than 400 shark species living underwater and they come in different shapes and sizes, so it does not mean all types of sharks have big, sharp teeth. Take for example, the basking shark that has tiny teeth they do not even use for feeding.
Sharks also have an average of 45 teeth and seven backup rows. They lose up to 30,000 teeth in their lifetimes!
MYTH 2: All sharks are man-eaters
Sharks do not kill humans for their meat. The truth is, most shark species eat fish or invertebrates. Sharks also have a variety of ways they eat. Whale sharks strain planktons through their gills, while nurse sharks, which are known as bottom-dwelling suction feeders, appear to “inhale” their food to their mouths.
Movies such as “Finding Nemo” may tell us that sharks and other fishes are friends, but that’s not true either. In reality, sharks could eat up to three pounds of fish a day!
Don’t even get us started about sharks eating an entire toilet seat!
MYTH 3: Sharks are indestructible and nothing can hurt them
Shark populations are on a rapid decline all over the world, which means, they are constantly hurting. Though many people believe sharks kill a lot of humans, the truth is, reports show humans kill an estimated 2 million sharks a year. Meanwhile, yearly shark attack is 19, with only one fatality in every two years in US average.
Sharks are often killed for their fins that were being used in traditional medicines, especially in Vietnam and China. Also, they are hunted down even though they are protected in certain areas. Most sharks also die from getting trapped in nets.
Related stories:
– Sharks at risk of disappearing from Mediterranean, conservationists warn
– Green groups release graphic photos of dead sharks in a bid to get drum line banned
– Save the sharks! Protecting sharks and rays in the Philippines
