What is a Shark?
A shark is a long bodied fish with a skeleton made from cartilage. Sharks have 8 fins.
Two Pectoral fins.These are the 2 main fins that help them move and float.
Two Pelvic fins.These help the shark from rolling to the side.
One to Two Dorsal fins.Depending on the shark they have one or two.The first one is the main fin on the top of the body behind the head. this is the fin you see sticking out of the water it helps to keep the shark upright.
An Anal fin.The anal fin sits between the pelvic fins and also helps with stability.
A Caudal fin. These are also known as the tail. this makes the shark swim fowards and helps to avoid objects and aim towards prey.
There are around 440 sharks that have been discovered. There are around 100 million sharks all around the world.
Fun Facts
- 1..A large meal may last the shark up to three months without it having to eat again.
- 2..Sharks are at the top of the underwater food chain.
- 3..You are more likely to be attacked by a cow then a shark.
- 4..The smallest shark is the Dwarf Shark, which is approximately the length of the average man’s hand.
- 5..The largest shark is the Whale Shark, which is about the length of a bus.