IT'S ALL ABOUT SHARKS! - ProfilesArchive

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PLEASE NOTE!!!! I WILL NEVER ALLOW PICS OF SHARK HUNTING TO GLORIFY IT, I WILL ALSO NEVER ALLOW STORIES THAT MAKE ANIMAL CRUELTY LOOK EVEN REMOTELY OK. BUT ANYONE WHO WISHES THA WOULD LIKE TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT ANY AND ALL ANIMAL CRUELTY TO HELP STOP IT IS WELCOME TO POST ANYTHING THEY LIKE. I HAVE DECIDED TO MAKE THIS SITE ALSO ABOUT THE FIGHT WE MUST WAGE AGAINST ANIMAL CRUELTY. I WILL ALSO NEVER POST PICS THAT MAY INCITE SHARK KILLING. .

I don't know if this is a real picture but I thought that it was still very cool looking!
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There are over 375 different kinds of Sharks. The whale shark is the largest shark and also the largest fish in the sea, measuring up to 15 m (49 ft) in length; the cookie-cutter shark measures less than 50 cm (19 in) in length. Although the whale shark is the largest, it feeds on tiny creatures called "plankton" which it gets by straining the water through it's large mouth.
ANOTHER GREAT WHITE
Hammerhead Shark The hammerhead shark, distinguished by its hammer-shaped head, is perhaps the most recognizable of the sharks. The unusual head allows the hammerhead to make turns more easily than other sharks, and the eyes and nostrils located on the ends of the head give it an advantage in tracking prey. The hammerhead roams warm and temperate seas, feeding on sting rays, bony fish, and invertebrates. An aggressive shark, the hammerhead has a reputation for unprovoked attacks on humans. Bob Cranston/Norbert Wu Photography
Great White Shark is considered the most dangerous of the sharks. The great white shark has a conical instead of flattened snout, black eyes, and large, serrated, arrowhead-shaped teeth. White sharks swallow unchewed creatures and objects half their size, especially seals, dolphins, turtles, other sharks, chunks of whale, fish, and ship's garbage. Great White Shark is considered the most dangerous of the sharks. The great white shark has a conical instead of flattened snout, black eyes, and large, serrated, arrowhead-shaped teeth. White sharks swallow unchewed creatures and objects half their size, especially seals, dolphins, turtles, other sharks, chunks of whale, fish, and ship's garbage
The thresher shark is often a welcome nuisance to mackerel and bait fishermen because it becomes entangled in their nets. They are a common site in fish markets and, in many parts of the world, are fished with long lines and gillnets. It is considered harmless to humans, although two boat attacks have been reported. They are classed as game fish and are known for a great jumping capacity. Thresher sharks are becoming scarcer due to heavy fishing pressure In the wild, these slow sharks eat a variety of bottom prey such as spiny lobster, shrimps, crabs, snails, and fishes - including mullets, puffers and sting rays. Their method of eating has been likened to that of a living vacuum cleaner, and they have been reported to flip conchs upside-down and literally suck the animal out of its shell. They are believed to prey on fish at night when they are inactive and easy targets.
The Tiger shark's name derives from the distinctive dark bands that run from the top of the back down along its sides. It is one of the most feared by humans; second only to the Great White and reaches a length of 18 feet. It will eat almost anything and is considered to be the most scavingous of all the sharks. It eats a variety of fish, moray eels and sharks smaller in size such as Grey Reef sharks, Hammerhead and even other Tiger sharks. It also eats turtles and birds that rest on the surface of the ocean such as pelicans and migratory birds.
OUT OF ALL OF THE OVER 300 SHARKS ONLY THESE HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO ATTACK HUMANS:
WHITE SHARK Carcharodon carcharias
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A large shark with a heavy spindle-shaped body, conical snout, caudal keel and lunate caudal fin.
COLOR: Slate brown to black above, white below. There is often a black spot at the pectoral fin axil and undersides of pectoral fins have black markings that vary among individuals.
SIZE : Males begin to mature at 7.8 ft [2.4 m], and may reach 18 ft [5.5 m]. Maximum length is at least 20.9 ft [6.4 m], possibly over 26.25 ft [8 m].
TEETH: Large triangular serrated teeth in both jaws. Teeth of the upper jaw are broad, lower jaw teeth are narrower.
HABITAT: This is a coastal and offshore shark of continental and insular shelves. The shark has been found off oceanic islands, and it also occurs close inshore. It penetrates shallow bays in coastal waters and may even venture into the surf. The shark is frequently found in the vicinity of pinniped colonies and has been caught at a depth of 4,199 ft [1280 m].
DISTRIBUTION: Temperate, subtropical and tropical waters worldwide. In the western Atlantic: Newfoundland to Argentina, including the Bahamas. Eastern Atlantic: France to the Cape of Good Hope, and the Mediterranean Sea. Eastern Pacific: Gulf of Alaska to Chile. Central Pacific: Easter Island, Hawaiian Islands and Marshall Islands. Western Pacific: Siberia to Tasmania. Red Sea and Indian Ocean including South Africa and Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles, and Western Australia.
BIOLOGY: General - This species is able to maintain a body temperature as much as 14.4F [8C] above the ambient water temperature. By keeping the temperature of muscles and internal organs higher than the surrounding water, the white shark's muscular strength and energy level is greater than that of a cold-bodied shark.
Prey - In general, juveniles feed on fish, while adult sharks feed primarily on marine mammals, Reproduction - Ovoviviparous
BEHAVIOR: This is the super-predator; it is without question the most formidable of all sharks. The white shark swims stiffly, and is capable of great speed. A shark, implanted with a sonic tag, had an average cruising speed of 3.2 kph. The shark sometimes raises its head above the water (spy hops), a behavior frequently observed in the vicinity of seal colonies and in baited situations.
DISPOSITION: The white shark is curious and it learns by experience. However the shark does not have hands and it often uses its teeth to inspect an unfamiliar object. Danger to humans - Sightings of a white shark does not mean that an attack is inevitable; the shark is often indifferent to divers. However, this species has been implicated in numerous unprovoked attacks on swimmers, surfers and divers. Most bites by white sharks are not fatal, but incidents in which a white shark partially consumed a human have occurred. In baited situations divers are advised to remain inside a shark cage.
NOTE: This species is protected in South African territorial waters. It is also a protected species along the eastern coast of the United States, Malta and Australia. In 2004, the white shark was listed on Appendix II of CITES, and it is listed on Appendix I and II of CMS (Bonn Convention). back to top
TIGER SHARK Galeocerdo cuvier
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A large shark with an extremely wide, blunt snout and a caudal keel.
COLOR: Varies from brownish, olive, gray to black above; pale gray, dirty yellow, pale gray or white below. Young sharks have tiger-like vertical dark bars, but as the sharks age the marks fade and they are usually absent in adults.
SIZE: Most individuals encountered by divers range between 11 and 14 ft [3.4 to 4.3 m] in length. Males mature at 7.4 to 9.5 ft [2.26 to 2.9 m], and reach a length of at least 12.1 ft [3.7 m]. Females mature between 8.2 and 11.5 ft [2.5 and 3.5 m] and reach a length of more than 18 ft [5.5 m]. One large female caught in 1957 was 24 ft [7.4 m] and weighed 3,110 lbs [1,414 kg], and there is an unverified report of a 30 ft [9.1 m] individual.
TEETH: The teeth in both jaws are identical: heavy cockscomb-shaped cutting teeth resembling diagonally positioned blades. The coarse serrations of the teeth have fine secondary serrations.
HABITAT: Although the shark occurs off oceanic islands and has been photographed at a depth of 1,007 ft [305 m], it is regarded as a coastal species. The shark tolerates a wide variety of marine habitats and may be found in estuaries, turbid waters at river mouths, around jetties and wharves, coral atolls and lagoons.
DISTRIBUTION: Circumglobal in tropical and warm temperate seas.
BIOLOGY: Prey - The tiger shark is omnivorous; it may attempt to consume virtually anything that can fit between its jaws. It feeds on bony fish, sharks, rays, marine turtles, marine mammals, sea snakes, sea birds, crustaceans, octopus and squid, jellyfish, carrion and garbage. Reproduction - Ovoviviparous. Gestation is slightly over a year and the litters are large: 10 to 82 pups. Pups, born at a length of 20 to 30 inches [51 to 76 cm], double in length within the first year, but their rate of growth slows as they mature. Most will reach sexual maturity within 7 to 10 years.
BEHAVIOR: General - The shark is usually solitary, but may be found in small groups of up to 6 individuals. This species is nocturnal; it comes inshore at night to feed and retreats offshore by day but often feeds near the surface on overcast days.
Feeding - When feeding the shark uses its wide blunt snout to advantage; a tiger shark feeding on a large stingray was filmed pushing the ray's body into the sand and between rocks -- apparently to gain leverage in order to bite off a mouthful of flesh.
DISPOSITION: A tiger shark is inquisitive, and it may approach submerged divers and circle slowly at close range. Do not be lulled into a sense of security by its slow swimming movement and apparent lack of aggression; this shark may nonchalantly take a bite while remaining cool and casual. Tiger sharks have also become very aggressive toward spearfishermen and divers attracting the sharks in underwater photo sessions.
Danger to humans - The tiger shark, like its jungle namesake, is dangerous; its toll of victims throughout the world is second only to that of the white shark. It is considered the most dangerous tropical shark, and has been blamed for the majority of attacks in Australia and Hawaii. The shark's large size, inquisitiveness and often aggressive nature, combined with large cutting teeth and indiscriminate feeding habits, dictates that a tiger shark should always be regarded as extremely dangerous. back to top
BULL SHARK Carcharhinus leucas
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A stocky heavy-bodied gray shark with a short bluntly-rounded snout.
COLOR: Gray with a faint white band on its flank. The fin tips of young sharks are often dusky. Sometimes a bull shark's back appears grazed, but these areas are actually bald patches caused by fluke infections that result in loss of dermal denticles from the skin.
SIZE: Males mature at 5.1 to 7.4 ft [1.57 to 2.26 m], and reach at least 9.8 ft [2.9 m]. Females mature at 5.9 to 7.5 ft [1.8 to 2.3 m], and reach a length of 10.6 ft [3.24 m].
TEETH: Teeth in the upper jaw are triangular and strongly serrated, those of the lower jaw are slender, pointed and edged with fine serrations.
HABITAT: Usually found close inshore in water less than 100 ft [30m] deep.
DISTRIBUTION: Tropical and subtropical shallow coastal waters worldwide. This species has the ability to penetrate fresh water; it has been caught 2,294 miles [3,691 km] up the Amazon River in Peru, 340 miles [547 km] up the Zambesi River, and Lake Nicaragua has a landlocked population.
BIOLOGY: Prey - The shark feeds primarily on bony fishes, but it is a versatile and opportunistic feeder and will eat smaller sharks, skates, turtles, birds, mammals, crustaceans and offal and garbage. The shark uses the teeth of its lower jaw to impale prey, then it swings its head from side-to-side using the heavy triangular teeth of its upper jaw to carve a mouthful of tissue from its prey.
Reproduction - Viviparous, with yolk-sac placenta. Litter size ranges from 1 to 13. Size at birth is 22 to 31 inches [56 to 81 cm]. Gestation lasts nearly a year.
BEHAVIOR: General - Divers report that the sharks are rarely seen at the surface; most are observed cruising over the top of the reef, and are frequently hosts to remoras.
DISPOSITION: This is a large, aggressive shark with massive jaws and it moves like a seasoned warrior. The GSAF has several cases in which the rapid ascent of a diver may have ..released' an aggressive response (similar to when an intruder flees from a guard dog). In each case, after a single bite on the diver's leg (no tissue was removed by the shark), the shark sped back to the reef. More often, when this shark bites, it resembles a pit bull; it makes multiple bites accompanied by head-shaking to remove tissue, and inflicts injuries that are far more difficult to repair than those caused by a white shark. Perhaps because the shark scavenges on carrion and may make forays into polluted areas, wounds caused by this species have a higher-than-usual rate of infection. Danger to humans - Due to its size, dentition and aggressiveness, it is regarded as one of the most dangerous tropical sharks . back to top
SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK Isurus oxyrinchus
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A streamlined shark with a conical snout, long caudal keel and large crescentic caudal fin.
COLOR: Metallic blue to dark gray above; white below
SIZE: Males mature when they are about 6.2 ft [1.9 m] in length, and they will grow to at least 9.3 ft [2.84 m] in length. Females mature when they are about 9.1 ft [2.8 m] in length, and will grow to a length of 12.9 ft [3.94 m], possibly longer.
TEETH: Large awl-shaped non-serrated grasping teeth.
HABITAT: Offshore littoral and epipelagic species found in water warmer than 60F [16C], from surface to at least 500 ft [152 m].
DISTRIBUTION: Circumglobal in temperate and tropical seas .
BIOLOGY: Prey - Fish (including fast-swimming species such as tuna, bonito and swordfish), squid and smaller sharks. Reproduction - Ovoviviparous. Embryos are ovophagous; smaller siblings are consumed by larger siblings. Litters range from 4 to 6 pups, and size at birth is 1.9 to 2.6 ft [60 to 80 cm].
BEHAVIOR: The shortfin mako shark, like the white shark, is warm-bodied. This is an extremely active shark. It is the fastest of all the sharks and famed for its spectacular leaps from the sea.
DISPOSITION: Hyperactive Danger to humans - Unprovoked attacks on swimmers have been determined and the sharks attempted to inflict multiple bites. Unprovoked attacks on divers are rare, probably because the shark is usually found well offshore. However, its speed and aggressiveness, particularly around speared fish, indicate that it should be regarded with caution. back to top
LEMON SHARK Negaprion brevirostris
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A big stocky short-nosed yellowish shark. Its dorsal fins are about the same size.
COLOR: Dark brown, olive or pale yellowish-brown above; yellowish below.
SIZE: Males mature at about 7.3 ft [2.24 m] and reach at least 9.15 ft [2.79 m]. Females mature around 7.8 ft [2.39 m] and reach at least 9.3 ft [2.85 m].
TEETH: Teeth in upper jaw have narrow triangular smooth-edged cusps and broad finely-serrated bases. Lower jaw teeth have narrow erect smooth-edged cusps.
HABITAT: Inshore species that may enter fresh water.
DISTRIBUTION: Western Atlantic from New Jersey to southern Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Eastern North Atlantic including Senegal and Ivory Coast. Eastern Pacific from southern Baja to Equador.
BIOLOGY: Prey - Bony fishes, rays, small sharks, crustaceans, molluscs and sea birds. Reproduction - Viviparous with a yolk-sac placenta. Gestation is about 12 months. Litters range from 4 to 19 pups, and size at birth is 23.6 to 25.6 inches [60 to 65 cm].
BEHAVIOR: The shark is nocturnal; it is active at night close inshore: around docks, saltwater creeks, estuaries, bays and inlets.
DISPOSITION: Danger to humans - This species has been involved in unprovoked incidents in South Carolina, Florida and Texas. It may become very aggressive toward divers if molested. back to top
OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARK Carcharhinus longimanus
WHAT TO LOOK FOR : A large shark with large rounded white-tipped fins. The shark has a high rounded first dorsal fin and very long paddle-shaped pectoral fins
COLOR: Gray bronze above, white below. White mottling on dorsal and pectoral fins.
SIZE: Most specimens are 6.5 ft [2 m] or less, but a few individuals may reach a total length of 11.5 to 12.9 ft [3.5 to 3.95 m]. Males mature at 5.7 to 6.5 ft [1.75 to 1.98 m] and reach at least 8 ft [2.45 m]. Females mature at 5.9 to 6.6 ft [1.8 to 2 m], and reach at least 8.8 ft [2.7 m].
TEETH: Teeth of the upper jaw are broad, triangular and serrated, lower jaw teeth are erect with serrated cusps.
HABITAT: Oceanic, epipelagic, but occasionally coastal. This species is usually found far offshore in the open sea, but it is sometimes found off oceanic islands where the water is 120 ft [37 m] deep. The shark is regularly found in waters 64F to 82F [18C to 28C], but prefers sea temperatures above 68F [20C].
DISTRIBUTION: Circumglobal in tropical and
NURSE SHARKS UP CLOSE
BLUE SHARK Prionace glauca
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A blue-colored shark with a long snout and very long pectoral fins.
COLOR: Indigo blue to bright blue above; white below. SIZE: Maximum recorded length is 12.5 ft [3.83 m], but there are unconfirmed reports of 15.7 and 21 ft [4.8 and 6.5 m] individuals. Males mature at 5.8 to 9.2 ft [1.82 to 2.81 m] and reach at least 10.2 ft [3.11 m]. Females of 7.25 ft [2.21 m] are sexually mature and reach a length of at least 10.6 ft [3.23 m].
TEETH: Teeth of the upper jaw are serrated and slightly curved, lower jaw teeth have narrower cusps.
HABITAT: The shark is generally found in 44.6 to 60.8F [7 to 16C] seas, but it can tolerate water as warm as 77F [25]. The shark is usually found close to the surface in areas where the depth exceeds 600 ft [182 m].
DISTRIBUTION: Circumglobal in temperate and tropical seas.
BIOLOGY: Prey - Small schooling fishes and squid, but this species - like other pelagic sharks - is an opportunistic feeder and will feed on smaller sharks, invertebrates, sea birds and carrion. Reproduction - Viviparous with a yolk-sac placenta. Gestation is from 9 to 12 months. Litters may be very large and have ranged in size from 3 to 135 pups. At birth pups range in size from 14 to 20 inches [35 to 51 cm]. The skin of adolescent and adult females is three times as thick as the skin of males, presumably as protection from enthusiastic amorous males. BEHAVIOR: The sharks are usually seen cruising slowly at the surface, their large pectoral fins outspread and the tips of their first dorsal and caudal fins breaking the surface. The sharks may circle prey before rushing in and attacking, and they may become very active when food stimulus is in the water. Blue sharks are found in large aggregations, but not schools, and sexual segregation occurs in parts of their range.
DISPOSITION: In staged shark feeds off California the sharks become very active and aggressive. Danger to humans - Thought to be responsible for a number of incidents involving shipwreck victims in World War II. back to top
GALAPAGOS SHARK Carcharhinus galapagensis
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A large fairly slender gray shark with a moderately broad rounded snout. The shark has no conspicuous markings on its fins. This species resembles the dusky shark, but it has a taller dorsal fin and a low interdorsal ridge.
COLOR: Brown gray above, white below. Most fins have dusky tips and the shark has a faint white band on its flank.
SIZE: Males mature at 5.6 to 7.75 ft [1.7 to 2.36 m] and reach a total length of at least 9.5 ft [2.9 m]. Females mature about 7.7 ft [2.35 m], and reach a total length of more than 9.8 ft [3 m]. The maximum size for this shark may be 12.1 ft [3.7 m].
TEETH: Triangular serrated slightly oblique teeth in upper jaw, and narrow erect teeth in lower jaw.
HABITAT: Found inshore and offshore (but not pelagic) near or on continental and insular shelves from the surface to at least 590 ft [180 m].
DISTRIBUTION: Circumtropical
BIOLOGY: Prey - The shark feeds primarily on bottom fishes such as sea bass, flatfish, triggerfish and eels, but it will also feed on flyingfish, octopus, squid, and sometimes consumes garbage. Reproduction - Viviparous, with a yolk-sac placenta. Size at birth ranges from 22 to 32 inches [57 to 80 cm].
BEHAVIOR: The Galapagos shark is aggressive, but it will give way to a silvertip shark, C. albimarginatus. This species is dominant over the blacktip shark, C. limbatus.
Like the gray reef shark C. amblyrhynchos , the Galapagos shark may make a threat display (arched back, raised head, lowered pectoral and caudal fins while swimming in a twisting rolling motion). An attack may follow the threat display.
DISPOSITION: Danger to humans - It has been said that this species was involved in unprovoked fatal attacks on swimmers, but at present GSAF records do not confirm such statements. Divers report that the shark is very inquisitive and attempts to sample divers' swim fins and hands. Aggressive actions taken by divers may startle the shark but it often circles back, bringing more sharks in its wake. back to top
CARIBBEAN REEF SHARK Carcharhinus perezi
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A large shark with a short bluntly-rounded snout, an interdorsal ridge, and no prominent markings on its fins.
COLOR: Gray brown to olive above, white to yellowish below.
SIZE: Most sharks encountered by divers are about 5.2 ft [1.6 m] in length. Males mature when they are between 4.9 and 5.5 ft [1.52 to 1.68 m], females at 6.5 to 9 ft [2 to 2.95 m].
TEETH: Teeth in both jaws are serrated. Teeth of the upper jaw have narrow cusps and broad bases and are semi-erect to oblique, teeth of the lower jaw are narrow and erect with triangular cusps and broad bases.
HABITAT: The shark is a tropical inshore bottom dweller of the continental and insular shelves. It is often found on coral reefs and adjacent to drop offs.
DISTRIBUTION: Western Atlantic from Florida to southern Brazil, Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It is the commonest shark on coral reefs in the Caribbean.
BIOLOGY: Prey - Thought to feed on fishes and rays. Reproduction - Viviparous. Litters of 4 to 6 pups have been reported. Size at birth is 24 to 30 inches [60 to 75 cm].
BEHAVIOR: This species has been observed in caves and lying motionless on the bottom.
DISPOSITION: In staged shark feeds in the Bahamas the shark may make close passes at divers. It is rarely aggressive, but four incidents have been recorded. back to top
DUSKY SHARK Carcharhinus obscurus WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A large gray shark with a short broadly rounded snout, no markings on its fins, and it has an interdorsal ridge.
COLOR: Gray to bluish gray above, white below
SIZE: Males mature at about 9.1 ft [2.8 m], and reach at least 11.15 ft [3.4 m]. Females mature betwen 8.4 and 9.8 ft [2.57 and 3 m] and reach at least 11.9 ft [3.65 m].
TEETH: Broad serrated teeth in upper jaw, narrow serrated teeth in lower jaw.
HABITAT: The shark is found on continental and insular shelves and oceanic water adjacent to them. It ranges from the surf zone to far out to sea, and from the surface down to 1312 ft [400 m].
DISTRIBUTION: Cosmopolitan in warm temperate and tropical seas.
BIOLOGY: Prey - Small sharks feed on bottom dwelling animals. Large specimens feed on a variety of reef and pelagic fish including sardines, tunas, eels, lizardfishes and flatfishes, smaller sharks, rays, skates, squid, octopus, cuttlefish, crabs, lobsters, starfish, barnacles, bryzoans and even whale meat and garbage. Reproduction - Viviparous, with a yolk-sac placenta. Litters usually consist of 3 to 4 pups. Size at birth is 27 to 39 inches [69 to 100 cm].
BEHAVIOR: The shark is migratory in temperate and subtropical areas of the northern Pacific and western north Atlantic, moving south in winter and north in summer. Young sharks form feeding aggregations.
DISPOSITION: Danger to humans - Because of its size and dentition the shark is considered potentially dangerous, and it has been implicated in a number of GSAF cases. In Australia, both the dusky shark and the copper shark are referred to as bronze whalers.
BLACKTIP SHARK Carcharhinus limbatus
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: All fins except anal fins are black tipped, and the shark has an interdorsal ridge.
COLOR: Dark gray, blue gray or dusky bronze above, white below. Dorsal fins, pectoral fins, and lower lobe of caudal fin have black tips. A pale band extends along its flank from the region of its pectoral fin to its pelvic fin. SIZE: Males mature at 5.9 ft [1.8 m], females mature at 6 ft [1.83 m]. The largest shark caught was an 8.1 ft [2.47 m] female.
TEETH: Erect symmetrical teeth with finely serrated edges in both jaws. Teeth of the upper jaw are broad with narrow cusps, and teeth of the lower jaw are narrow.
HABITAT: This is an inshore shark found in shallow coastal waters; it often encountered in estuaries and river mouths.
DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in tropical and subtropical continental seas.
BIOLOGY: Prey - The shark feeds on schooling fish, small sharks, rays, squid and cuttlefish. Reproduction -Viviparous, with a yolk-sac placenta. Litter size ranges from 4 to 10 pups. Size at birth is 13 to 26 inches [35 to 65 cm]. BEHAVIOR: This is an active shark and is often seen spinning and leaping above the surface. The shark migrates to deeper water in winter. In contests for food this species gives way to Galapagos sharks, C. galapagensis , and silvertip sharks, C. albimarginatus
DISPOSITION: Small active sharks may approach divers and circle at a distance, but will rarely approach in unbaited situations. Large sharks are usually indifferent to divers once they descend and rarely approach closer than 50 ft [15m]. Nevertheless, this shark can be belligerant with divers when contesting speared fish; spearfishermen frequently refer to blacktip sharks as sea jackels. When several blacktip sharks are together they may become hyperactive, particularly in baited situations. Danger to humans - This species has been implicated in numerous non-fatal incidents.
SILKY SHARK Carcharhinus falciformis
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A large slim oceanic shark with a moderately long rounded snout and an interdorsal ridge.
COLOR: Dark brown to bronze above, white below. The shark has dusky fin tips and a faint white band on its flank.
SIZE: Males mature when they are about 6 or 7 years of age and attain a length of 6.1 to 7.1 ft [1.87 to 2.18 m] and may reach a length of 9.8 ft [3 m]. Females mature when they are between 7 and 9 years of age and have attained a length of 7 to 7.5 ft [2.13 to 2.3 m], and they may reach a length of at least 10 ft [3.05 m]. The maximum size for this species is 10.8 ft [3.3 m].
TEETH: The teeth of the upper jaw are serrated and have oblique to erect cusps, and the lower jaw teeth are erect.
HABITAT: The shark is found near edges of continental and insular shelves as well as the open sea. The shark has been found at a depth of 1,640 ft [500 m], but it also occurs inshore at the surface and in areas where the water is only 18 inches [45 cm] deep. The shark, abundant offshore and inshore, is oceanic, epipelagic and littoral. This species prefers sea temperatures from 73.5 to 75F [23 to 24C].
DISTRIBUTION: Circumtropical.
BIOLOGY: Prey - Pelagic and inshore bony fishes including tuna, albacore mullet and porcupine fish, as well as squid and crabs. Reproduction - Viviviparous, with a yolk-sac placenta. Litters consist of 2 to 14 pups. Size at birth is 27.5 to 34.25 inches [70 to 87 cm].. BEHAVIOR: This is an active, fast and aggressive shark. It is frequently found with schools of tuna. The shark will give way to an oceanic whitetip shark, C. longimanus .
DISPOSITION: The shark usually ignores divers but make may a threat display when approached by divers, however, it has been implicated in several incidents.
GRAY REEF SHARK Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A medium-sized to large shark with a moderately long, broadly rounded snout and a black-edged caudal fin.
COLOR: Gray dorsal surface and a broad black band on the posterior margin of the caudal fin. SIZE: Males mature at 4.25 to 4.75 ft [1.3 to 1.45 m], females mature at 4 to 4.5 ft [1.22 to 1.37 m]. Maximum size is 8.3 ft [2.55 m].
TEETH: The teeth of the upper jaw are narrow-cusped and serrated, those of the lower jaw are awl-shaped.
HABITAT: A coastal-pelagic and inshore species common on coral reefs, often in deeper areas near drop-offs to the open sea, and in shallow lagoons adjacent to areas of strong currents. It is often seen cruising near the bottom but will visit the surface, particularly to investigate food sources. Frequently found on leeward sides of small coral islands.
DISTRIBUTION: Indian Ocean, and Western Pacific eastward to Hawaiian Islands.
BIOLOGY: Prey - Feeds on reef fish less than 12 inches [30 cm] in length, as well as squid, octopus, crabs, lobsters and shrimp. Reproduction - Viviparous, with yolk-sac placenta. Litter size ranges from 1 to 6 pups following a 12 month gestation period. Size at birth is 18 to 24 inches [45 to 60 cm]. Individuals mature between 7 and 7.5 years, and life-span is thought to be at least 25 years or more.
BEHAVIOR: This is an active, strong-swimming social species that forms daytime aggregations in reef passes and lagoons; at night the groups disperse. Groups of juveniles remain together on pupping grounds.
DISPOSITION: Gray reef sharks are inquisitive, and in seldom-frequented areas divers have been approached very closely by several of these sharks, particularly when they initially enter the water. However, once the sharks' curiosity is satisfied they usually retreat and remain at a distance. Feeding - When feeding stimuli are present the shark may be aggressive and dangerous.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR: This species will perform a threat-display when approached too closely or startled by unusual sounds or quick movements. The display consists of an exaggerated swimming pattern in which the shark wags its head and tail in broad sweeps, arches its back, lifts its head, depresses its pectoral fins and sometimes swims in a horizontal spiral or figure-8 loop in front of its perceived aggressor. The threat may terminate in a high-speed attack.
Great hammerhead shark Sphyrna mokarran
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Hammer-shaped head with a nearly straight anterior margin. The first dorsal fin is very tall and falcate.
COLOR: Dark olive green to brownish gray above, white below. Ventral tips of pectoral fins are not marked.
SIZE: This is the largest of the hammerhead sharks. The shark grows to a length of at least 18.3 feet [5.6 m], and may attain a length of more than 20 feet [6.1 m], however, most individuals encountered by divers are between 10 and 14 feet in length [3 to 4.3 m]. Females mature at a length of 8.2 to 9.8 ft [2.5 to 3 m]; males mature at a length of 7.7 to 8.8 ft [2.3 to 2.7 m].
TEETH: Strongly serrate.
HABITAT: Coastal-pelagic and semi-oceanic shark occurring close inshore and well offshore. Found over the continental shelves, island terraces and in passes and lagoons of coral atolls, as well as over deep water near land. It is found near the surface and from depths of 3 ft to more than 262 ft [1 to 80 m]. It often favors continental and insular coral reefs.
DISTRIBUTION: Circumtropical
BIOLOGY: Prey - The great hammerhead shark feeds on a wide variety of prey, but favors stingrays, groupers and sea catfishes. It also feeds on squid, crabs, tarpon, sardines, toadfishes, porgies, grunts, jacks, herring, grouper, boxfish, other sharks, skates, guitarfish, cownose and eagle rays . Reproduction - Viviparous, with a yolk-sac placenta. Litters range from 13 to 42 (average 20-40) following a gestation of at least 7 months. Size at birth is 20 to 28 inches [50 to 70 cm].
BEHAVIOR: General - A solitary, nomadic and migratory species. Some populations move poleward during the winter. Feeding - The shark feeds mostly at dusk. A shark was seen to use the underside of its hammer-shaped head to bludgeon and pin a stingray to the seabed, then the shark pivoted and bit a chunk out of the ray's pectoral fin. Mating - Mating great hammerheads were reportedly witnessed in 70 ft [21 m] in the Bahamas. The sharks ascended, spiraling slowly around each other and copulated at the surface. While synchronous swimming as a prelude to mating has been observed with other species of sharks, copulation at the surface has not. Most species are though to mate at or near the seafloor.
DISPOSITION: The species is thought to be dangerous, though relatively few incidents have been attributed to it or any other species of hammerhead sharks. The shark has approached divers without displaying aggression. However, due to its size and broad food spectrum the shark should be treated with caution. Danger to humans - Divers have observed this shark in unbaited situations and found it to be unaggressive.. Due to its large size it is considered potentially dangerous.
Blacktip reef shark Carcharhinus melanopterus
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A moderate-sized stocky brownish gray shark with a short, bluntly rounded snout; black and white on tips of first dorsal fin and lower caudal fin lobe.
COLOR: Light brown or bronze above, white below. First dorsal fin and ventral caudal lobe have a conspicuous black blotch, brilliantly highlighted with white. Other fins have black fin tips. Conspicuous white band on flank.
SIZE: Most adults are less than 5.25 ft [1.6 m] total length. Males mature at 3 to 3.25 ft [91 to 100 cm] and attain a length of 5.9 ft [1.8 m]. Females mature between 3.15 and 3.7 ft [96 and 112 cm], and may reach a length of 4.3 ft [1.3 m].
TEETH: Teeth of the upper jaw are narrow and erect with coarse serrations and cusplets, lower jaw teeth are erect to oblique with narrow serrated cusps.
HABITAT: This is the most commonly encountered shark in the tropical Indo-Pacific
DISTRIBUTION: Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.
BIOLOGY: Prey - Small fish and invertebrates: mullets, groupers, jacks, mojarras, slipjaws, wrasses, surgeonfish, cuttlefish, squid, octopus, shrimp. Reproduction - Viviparous, with a yolk sac placenta. Litter size ranges from 2 to 4 (usually 4) and pups are 13 to 20 inches [33 to 52 cm] at birth. Pups are born from late winter to early summer following a gestation of (possibly) 16 months.
BEHAVIOR: On flood tide swarms of blacktip reef sharks move over shallow reef flats. They are often seen swimming in calf-deep water with the tips of their dorsal fins breaking the surface.
DISPOSITION: The blacktip reef shark is often quite inquisitive when divers enter the water, but it can usually be driven off. It frequently becomes aggressive around speared fish, and this may be exacerbated by the presence of competing sharks. In these scenarios blacktip reef sharks will rush in to take wounded fish or baits, although in such situations they generally tend to be less aggressive than C. amblyrhynchos. Danger to humans - This species is responsible for non-fatal incidents involving spearfishermen, surfers, swimmers and waders. Most bites have been on limbs of people wading in shallow water on coral reefs.
Broadnose sevengill shark Notorynchus cepedianus
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A stout broad-headed, small-eyed shark with seven gill slits and a single dorsal fin situated far back on its body.
COLOR: Pale gray above; white below. Small black spots on body.
SIZE: Maximum size for this species is thought to be 9.5 ft [2.9 m], possibly more. Males mature at 4.8 to 5.9 ft [1.5 to 1.8 m] and reach a length of 7.4 ft [2.26 m] or more. Females mature at 6.3 to 6.8 ft [1.92 to 2.08 m] and reach a length of at least 9.45 ft [2.88 m].
TEETH: Teeth of the upper jaw are blunt and pointed; teeth of the lower jaw are large broad and saw-like with 5 or 6 distal cusplets.
HABITAT : Marine, benthic, neritic on continental shelves from the surface to 150 ft [46 m]. This is a coastal species commonly found in shallow bays.
DISTRIBUTION: Temperate seas.
BIOLOGY: Prey - Bony fishes, rays and other sharks Reproduction - Ovoviviparous. Litters may contain up to 82 pups. Size at birth is 18 to 21 inches [45 to 53 cm].
BEHAVIOR: This is an active, strong shark. It moves inshore at high tide, and retreats off shore at low tide. Most specimens are seen cruising near the bottom, but they may also be found at the surface. Juveniles are frequently found in shallow water close to shore.
DISPOSITION: Danger to humans - Unknown. The shark is aggressive when provoked. In Australian and New Zealand waters this shark is regarded as dangerous.
Bluntnose sixgill shark Hexanchus griseus
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A stout shark with six gill slits. The shark has a short blunt snout and its single dorsal fin is set far back near the caudal fin.
COLOR: Brown to dark gray above; off white below. Its fins have thin white trailing edges.
SIZE: Maximum total length is 15.8 ft [4.82 m]. Females mature at 14.7 to 15.7 ft [4.5 to 4.8 m].
TEETH: Fang-like teeth in upper jaw, broad saw-like teeth in lower jaw.
HABITAT: Marine or benthic and pelagic. The shark is found on continental and insular shelves and upper slopes, from the surface to 6,150 ft [1875 m]. Juveniles are often found close inshore.
DISTRIBUTION: Temperate and tropical seas.
BIOLOGY: Prey - Fish, small sharks and cephalopods. Reproduction - Ovoviviparous. Litters are large and range in size from 22 to 108. Size at birth is 25.6 to 27.6 inches [65 to 70 cm].
BEHAVIOR: The shark is sluggish, but it is a strong swimmer. Apparently it is nocturnal and very sensitive to high light levels.
DISPOSITION : Unknown. Danger to humans - Due to the shark's large size and dentition it should be treated with caution.
Nurse shark Ginglymostoma cirratum
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A large-headed shark with nasal barbels and dorsal fins about the same size.
COLOR: Gray-brown, yellow brown or brown body. Juveniles may have dark spots.
SIZE: Most individuals encountered by divers are less than 10 ft [3 m] total length. Males take about 10 to 15 years to mature, and reach maturity when they are about 8.2 ft [2.5 m] in length and will grow to at least 8.4 ft [2.57 m]. Females take 15 to 20 years to mature, and reach maturity when they are about 7.5 to 7.8 ft [2.3 to 2.4 m] and will grow over 8.5 ft [2.59 m] in length. Maximum length is said to be 14 ft [4.3 m] but most are less than 9.8 ft [3 m].
TEETH: Teeth are similar in both jaws: a single large cusp, flanked on each side by 2 smaller cusps.
HABITAT: Inshore from intertidal to depths of 165 ft [ 50 m] on rock and coral reefs, in channels in mangrove keys and reef flats.
DISTRIBUTION: Western Atlantic from southern Brazil to Cape Hatteras with strays to Rhode Island, including Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Eastern Atlantic in Cape Verde Islands and along the coast of west Africa. Eastern Pacific from southern Baja to Peru.
BIOLOGY: Prey - small fish and invertebrates: lobster, shrimps, crabs, squid, sea urchins, octopus, snails and bivalves. Reproduction - Ovoviviparous. Litters range from 21 to 30. Size at birth is 8.25 to 11.8 inches [27 to 30 cm].
BEHAVIOR: The shark is nocturnal; it is an active strong swimmer at night, but is sluggish by day. The shark uses its muscular pectoral fins to clamber over the bottom, but divers usually see the shark lying motionless on the bottom, often with its head in a crevice. By day, nurse sharks may rest in aggregates of 2 to more than 30 individuals, leaning against or atop one another. The shark has a well-defined fixed home range and it may return to the same daytime resting site for long periods of time.
DISPOSITION : Placid and usually indifferent to divers. Danger to humans - Nurse sharks have retaliated when provoked by divers or swimmers.
Sand tiger Carcharias taurus
(also known as the raggedtooth shark (Africa) and the grey nurse shark (Australia)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A stocky shark with protruding snaggle teeth. The shark has a pronounced hump to its back and both dorsal fins are about the same size.
COLOR: Bronze to gray above, white below. May have brown blotches on its body.
SIZE: Maximum size is 10.4 ft [3.18 m]. Adult males range from 7.2 to 8.4 ft [2.2 to 2.57 m]. Females range from 7.2 to 9.8 ft [2.2 to 3.0 m].
TEETH: Large slender awl-shaped smooth-edged teeth with lateral cusplets.
HABITAT: Inshore from surf zone, shallow bays, rock and coral reefs, to at least 630 ft [190 m].
DISTRIBUTION : Warm and temperate waters throughout the world.
BIOLOGY: General - The shark will gulp air at the surface, presumably to achieve neutral buoyancy. Prey - Primarily a fish eater, but it also feeds on crustaceans and squid. Reproduction - Ovoviviparous. Embryos are ovophagous; smaller siblings are consumed and only one pup is born from each uterus. Size at birth is 3 to 3.4 ft [95 to 105 cm].
BEHAVIOR: The shark often swims with its mouth ajar and its teeth visible. Divers usually see the shark close to the bottom, cruising 4 to 6 ft [1.2 to 1.8 m] above the sea floor, or hovering almost motionless in cuts in the reef or out on the sand where the current is strongest. Sexual segregation occurs with this species. The shark comes into the shallows at night to feed. This species is migratory, moving to deeper water in winter.
DISPOSITION : The shark is generally placid, despite its ferocious appearance. If approached too closely by a diver the shark will thump its tail with force, creating a loud booming sound that will make the diver's ears ring.
Danger to humans - In the cooler waters of this shark's range, it has - on rare occasions - bitten people. In most cases, the sharks were agitated by spearfishing activities, attempted to steal a spearfisherman's catch and (apparently) inadvertently nipped the diver, or simply blundered into a diver in low visibility.
SPOTTED Wobbegong Orectolobus maculatus
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A squat-bodied shark with a large flattened head and fleshy beard.
COLOR: A well-camouflaged shark. It is pale with a meshwork of darker narrow lines and spots.
SIZE: About 4 ft [1.2 m].
TEETH: Enlarged very sharp fang-like teeth.
HABITAT: Tropical inshore reefs and tidepools.DISTRIBUTION: Western Pacific, including New Guinea and northern Australia.
BIOLOGY: Prey - Bottom fish and invertebrates Reproduction - Ovoviviparous.
BEHAVIOR: General - The shark is nocturnal; it rests on the bottom by day and prowls the reef at night, clambering about using its paired fins.
DISPOSITION: Usually unaggressive unless provoked. Danger to humans - Divers have approached and photographed the shark by day without inciting aggression, but it has bitten waders and fishermen in tidepools. Treat with caution because of its formidable dentition.
Basking shark Cetorhinus maximus
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A very large shark with a pointed snout, huge mouth and gill slits that almost encircle the head, strong lateral keels on caudal peduncle, and a lunate tail.
COLOR: Variable. Darker above than below, often with a mottled pattern on back and sides with white blotches under the head.
SIZE: Males mature at less than 18 ft. [5.7 m], females at 26 ft. [8 m], maximum size 33 ft.[10 m].
HABITAT: Coast to edge of the continental shelf.
DISTRIBUTION: Worldwide in cold to warm temperate seas.
BIOLOGY: Prey Plankton. May shed gill rakers but no evidence for hibernation in winter. Reproduction One litter of six pups reported, presumably oophagous.
BEHAVIOR: Highly migratory . Often seen feeding on surface aggregations of plankton, moving slowly forward with open mouth. The sharks are sometimes seen in large groups. Complex courtship behavior has been reported. Can leap out of the water.
DISPOSITION: Generally placid but has been known to bump boats.
NOTE: This species is endangered regionally in areas where a targeted fishery existed. The basking shark is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is protected in several countries, and in 2002 it was placed on CITES Appendix II.
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My Interests

SHARTTERING SHARK MYTHS:

DAMN I WANT TO BE THAT GUY!! (It's a dolphin by the way.)

Sharks have long served as the nefarious subject of stories told by everyone from seafaring captains to Hollywood screenwriters. But researchers say sharks don't deserve their nasty reputation. To separate shark fact from shark fiction, read on.

Myth: All sharks are large and appear menacing.

Fact: The 400 plus kinds of sharks known to exist range in size from the tiny, 6-inch long cigar shark to the 45-foot long, gentle whale shark. While some come in a menacing gray color, others are brightly colored in beautiful patterns. Not all sharks have rows of razor-sharp teeth. In fact, some grind their food with flat teeth, and others don't even need their teeth to eat, like the gigantic whale shark, which sifts food out of the water using rake-like gills.

Myth: Sharks eat humans.

Fact: Most sharks do like meat but fish, squid, porpoise, or whale make a shark's perfect meal. Some sharks, like the giant whale and basking sharks, only eat tiny plankton. Some sharks can go days or weeks without eating at all. Contrary to public perception, sharks attack less than a hundred people a year on average. Often the attacks are accidental and are rarely fatal. In fact, more people are killed each year by dogs, lightning, and even falling soda machines than by shark attacks!

WHEN SURROUNDED BY IDIOTS BE VERY VERY QUIET!!

Myth: There are too many sharks in the sea.

Fact: Many shark species are endangered because of pollution, loss of habitat, and excessive fishing in their environments. Furthermore, the loss of sharks imperils many ocean ecosystems since sharks play a key role in culling sick animals and keeping other populations in check.

Myth: To survive, sharks must keep moving.

Fact: All sharks do need water moving over their gills to breathe, but some species can pump water over their gills by opening and closing their mouths while resting.

Myth: All sharks can smell blood in the water from miles away.

Fact: Some sharks do have a highly developed sense of smell, which helps them hunt in the dark and detect their prey. Other sharks don't depend on their sense of smell for foraging.

WHALE SHARK

MAKO SHARK

HAMMERHEAD SHARK

Large-Shark Hunting Habits Exposed by Crittercam Stefan Lovgren for National Geographic News

January 23, 2004

This story is one of a series looking at National Geographic Crittercam research. Crittercam is a research instrument worn by wild animals and equipped with a video camera and other information-gathering equipment. Crittercam is used on animals both in the ocean and on land.

To learn more about the Crittercam's field test, tune in to the Crittercam: Large Sharks episode on the National Geographic Channel in the United States on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. Got a high-speed connection? Click here to watch previews of the Crittercam television documentaries on the National Geographic Channel Web site.

Mike Heithaus is used to the public image of sharks as mindless killing machines. But one thing he's learned from using crittercam is that "sharks are a lot more boring than you'd expect."

"Tiger sharks may be capable of taking out big prey," said Heithaus, who is known as one of the world's leading shark scientists. "But they'll turn toward a turtle and if the turtle just looks at him, the shark will not even try to attack. He'll wait to make the sneak attack where he's not going to have to put a lot of effort into killing the prey."

Now a marine biology professor at Florida International University in Miami, Heithaus was a research fellow with National Geographic Society's Remote Imaging Program and the host of the Crittercam series. He's been fitting crittercams on sharks since 1997, first on tiger sharks in Australia and more recently on bull sharks and hammerheads in Florida.

His mission: to learn more about the sharks' foraging behavior and where they spend their time. The research has already shown that sharks have the power to change their underwater environment.

"Because sharks are top predators, they can influence the population sizes of their prey," Heithaus said. "They keep their prey in check, and that in turn helps their prey's prey. These effects can cascade through the whole ecosystem."

Lazy Predators

Heithaus was studying dolphins before turning to shark research in 1997. He says he stumbled into it by accident.

"I was interested in where dolphins spend their time," Heithaus said. "It turned out that during some seasons dolphins were nowhere near where we expected them to be, based on their food. I thought, maybe it has something to do with their predators. So we started to look at tiger sharks."

He was surprised to learn that virtually nothing was known about tiger sharks, even though they're big animals. The average tiger shark is about ten feet (three meters), but some can grow over 15 feet (4.6 meters) long. Heithaus says he was immediately hooked.

"They're perfectly adapted predators, really efficient hunters," he said. "And they've been around for hundreds of millions of years."

In some places, tiger sharks may be the only species to eat large prey like turtles, dugongs, and dolphins. Their teeth, which cut in both directions, are like razor blades, perfectly evolved for cutting through turtle shells and bone.

However, they may be considered somewhat lazy. "They are not a super-fast and maneuverable shark," Heithaus said. "They really do rely on surprise to catch things."

Since 1997, Heithaus has used the Crittercam to study tiger sharks in Shark Bay on the West Coast of Australia. The technology has helped the researchers establish the critical role that tiger sharks play there.

"Tiger sharks may influence where dugongs spend their time, and since dugongs are major grazers of sea grass, that could influence how the sea grass beds are structured, and because sea grass beds provide the foundation for whole ecosystems, that might affect where juvenile fish can be, which may in turn influence where turtles can be," Heithaus said. "You see how the effects go through the whole ecosystem."

The Crittercams show the sharks spending most of their time on shallow sea grass beds, where they find most of their prey. Heithaus and his team have also been able to show that tiger sharks cause dolphins to abandon shallow sea grass beds, their best feeding grounds. The dolphins will rather not eat much, but be safe, than risk becoming shark food.

"The Crittercam also showed us how the tiger sharks kind of bounce through the water," he said. "They swim along the surface, drop to the bottom, and then swim up to the surface again. This is probably a strategy to surprise animals that are close to the surface."

Body Slam

Now, Heithaus and his team, including his wife Linda, a marine biologist, are using Crittercam to study two kinds of sharks in Florida waters: bull sharks and hammerheads.

"We're taking our first tentative steps," Heithaus said. "We're still trying to figure out how to work with these sharks and what information we can get from the Crittercam. It's far too early to draw any conclusions, except to say that the technology works well on both those species."

The bull shark is relatively small. It may grow to be nine feet long. A pregnant female may hit 500 pounds (227 kilograms), small compared to a 2000-pound (910-kilogram) white shark. But they're one of the few species of sharks that will go after potential prey of the same size. Heithaus calls the bull shark "the pit bull of the sea."

"They're one of the top predators in the Florida waters," he said. "I've seen footage of them body-slam boats when they get annoyed."

The bull sharks are also special because they can survive in fresh waters. Some have swum 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) up the Amazon River in South America. One stray bull shark was even found in the Mississippi River all the way up to Illinois.

Meanwhile, the hammerhead sharks, with their bizarre head shaped like a hammer, have confounded scientists for years. Why on Earth would the shark have a head like that?

"It's probably evolved for a number of reasons," said Heithaus. "It will increase their maneuverability, and it also helps their sensory capabilities."

The hammerheads can use their heads to pin their prey to the bottom of the sea while they eat it. Their favorite foods are rays and other sharks.

But hammerhead sharks are very susceptible to overfishing. Populations in the Atlantic Ocean may have dropped as much as 90 percent in some places.

"They're one of the hardest species of shark I've worked with, because they're so fragile," said Heithaus. "In general, we should be concerned about the future of our oceans. Some hammerheads are among the shark species we should be most worried about."

I'd like to meet:

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GREAT WHITE SHARKS CAN JUMP AS HIGH AS 20 FEET INTO THE AIR.

WHY SHARKS ATTACK

Because they provide a glimpse - a window - into the world of sharks and their behaviors. By understanding when and why shark attacks occur, it is possible to lessen the likelihood of such accidents. Humans are familiar with predators found on land; we know enough not to walk into a pride of lions and we don't try to pet a growling dog that is baring its teeth. Similarly, we need to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations in the water. The individual case histories of shark attacks provide insights about specific geographical areas and their indigenous species of sharks. However, when all known case histories worldwide are examined, much is revealed about species behavior, and specific patterns emerge.

Most of the incidents in the Global Shark Attack File have nothing to do with predation on humans. Some incidents are motivated by a displacement or territorial behavior when a shark feels threatened; still others are the result of the shark responding to sensory predatory input (i.e., overwhelmed by the presence of many fishes) and environmental conditions (murky water), which may cause them to respond in a reflexive response to stimuli. Sharks also exhibit curiosity and may investigate unknown or unfamiliar objects; they learn by exploring their environment, and - lacking hands - they use their mouths and teeth to examine unfamiliar objects.

A very small percentage of shark species, about two dozen, are considered potentially dangerous to humans because of their size and dentition. Yet each year, for every human killed by a shark, our species slaughters more than 10 million sharks - about 100 million sharks last year. We are stripping the world's oceans of one of its most valuable predators - animals that play a critical role in maintaining the health of the world's oceans. An unreasonable fear of sharks has been implanted in our minds by the hype that surrounds the rare shark attack and by movies that exploit our primal fears. It is the mission of the Global Shark Attack File to present facts about these events, thus enabling them to be put in perspective. Sharks are necessary and vital to the ocean ecosystem. Without sharks our planet's ocean could eventually become a watery graveyard, with little sustainable life. This is not the legacy the Global Shark Attack File and the Shark Research Institute wishes to leave our children and our children's children.

BASKING SHARK The Global Shark Attack File was created to provide medical personnel, shark behaviorists, lifesavers, and the media with meaningful information resulting from the scientific forensic examination of shark attacks. Whenever possible, GSAF investigators conduct personal interviews with victims and witnesses, medical personnel and other professionals, and conduct examinations of the incident site. Weather and sea conditions and environmental data are evaluated in an attempt to identify factors that contributed to the incident.

Early on, we became aware that the word "attack" was usually a misnomer. An "attack" by a shark is an extremely rare event, even less likely than statistics suggest. When a shark bites a surfboard, leaving the surfer unharmed, it was historically recorded as an "attack". Collisions between humans and sharks in low visibility water were also recorded as "attacks".

When a shark grabs a person by the hand/wrist and tows them along the surface, tosses a surfboard (or a Frisbee as in case 1968.08.24) it is probably "play behavior", not aggression. How can case 1971.04.11 which the swimmer was repeatedly bitten by a large shark and case 1985.01.04 in which the diver's injury necessitated a Band-aid be compared? It is akin to comparing a head-on high-speed vehicular collision with a shopping cart ding on the door of a parked car. Global Shark Attack File believes the only way to sort fact from hype is by forensic examination of each incident.

Although incidents that occur in remote areas may go unrecorded, the Global Shark Attack File is a compilation of a number of data sources, and we have a team of qualified researchers throughout the world that actively investigate these incidents. One of our objectives is to provide a clear picture of the actual threat presented by sharks to humans. In this regard, we remind our visitors that more people drown in a single year in the United States than have been killed by sharks throughout the entire world in the last two centuries.

ANOTHER OF MANY BEAUTIFUL LADYBUGS, I LOVE THEM!

Music:

Of the over 375 different species of sharks found in the world's oceans, only about 30 have been reported to ever attack a human. Of these, only about a dozen should be considered particularly dangerous when encountered. The shark species responsible for most unprovoked attacks on humans are the white (Carcharodon carcharias), tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier), and bull (Carcharhinus leucas). All sharks, large and small, are however predators and could be capable of inflicting wounds if provoked. They should all be treated with respect when encountered.

When and why did humans develop a fear of sharks? Humans have a fear for sharks that may be in part innately rooted in our past when we did need to on constant alert for large predators. More importantly, in today's world we constantly are subjected to the media's stereotypic characterizations of sharks, which are rife with misinformation and actively promote fear and loathing. Finally, we as humans are used to controlling the world around us - damming rivers, flattening mountains, shooting a charging elephant - but sharks, like typhoons, lightning and tornados, are not something we cannot control, hence our great interest in them.What are the chances of being attacked by a shark? The chances of being attacked by a shark are very small compared to other animal attacks, natural disasters, and ocean-side dangers. Many more people drown in the ocean every year than are bitten by sharks. The few attacks that occur every year are an excellent indication that sharks do not feed on humans and that most attacks are simply due to mistaken identity. For more information on the relative risk of shark attacks to humans click HERE.

How many people are attacked each year by sharks? Worldwide there is an average of 50-70 shark attacks every year. The number of attacks has been increasing over the decades as a result of increased human populations and the use of the oceans for recreational activity. As long as humans continue to enter the sharks' environment, there will be shark attacks. For more information on shark attack statistics click HERE.

What are the different types of shark attacks?? Provoked attacks are caused by humans touching sharks. Often this involves unhooking sharks or removing them from fishing nets. However, recently there have been a number of incidents involving divers who were attacked after grabbing or feeding a shark while underwater.

Unprovoked attacks happen when sharks make the first contact. This can take three forms:

Hit-and-Run Attacks happen near beaches, where sharks try to make a living capturing fish. In pounding surf, strong currents, and murky water, a shark may mistake the movements of humans, usually at the surface, for those of their normal food, fish. The shark makes one grab, lets go, and immediately leaves the area. Legs or feet are often bitten; injuries usually are minor and deaths rarely occur. Sneak Attacks take place in deeper waters. The victim doesn't see the shark before the attack. The result can be serious injury or death, especially if the shark continues to attack. Bump-and-Bite Attacks happen when the shark circles and actually bumps the victim with its head or body before biting. As in the sneak attack, the shark may attack repeatedly and cause serious injury or death.

How many people are attacked each year by sharks? Worldwide there is an average of 50-70 shark attacks every year. The number of attacks has been increasing over the decades as a result of increased human populations and the use of the oceans for recreational activity. As long as humans continue to enter the sharks' environment, there will be shark attacks. For more information on shark attack statistics click HERE.

How can I avoid being attacked by a shark? Although the relative risk of a shark attack is very small, risks should always be minimized whenever possible in any activity. The chances of having an interaction with a shark can be reduced if one heeds the following advice: Always stay in groups since sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual. Do not wander too far from shore --- this isolates an individual and additionally places one far away from assistance. Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active and have a competitive sensory advantage. Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating --- a shark's olfactory ability is acute. Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged because the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales. Avoid waters with known effluents or sewage and those being used by sport or commercial fisherman, especially if there are signs of bait fishes or feeding activity. Diving seabirds are good indicators of such action. Sightings of porpoises do not indicate the absence of sharks --- both often eat the same food items. Use extra caution when waters are murky and avoid uneven tanning and bright colored clothing --- sharks see contrast particularly well. Refrain from excess splashing and do not allow pets in the water because of their erratic movements. Exercise caution when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep dropoffs --- these are favorite hangouts for sharks. Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present and evacuate the water if sharks are seen while there. And, of course, do not harass a shark if you see one!

Are there any safer methods for the marine wildlife than shark nets to protect swimmers? If one deems that 100 per cent safety from sharks is necessary (and we can't guarantee that for other causes of aquatic recreational injury/death, such as drowning), then shark exclusion nets, which form a barrier between shark and humans with minimal damage to the environment) are the way to go. However, these nets are very expensive to operate and work only in low energy (non-surf) situations.

I HAVE REALIZED I NEEDED TO HAVE S SECTION DEVOTED TO WHALE SHARKS AND WHALES THEMSELVES. THEY ARE SUCH MAJESTIC CREATURES.

Secrets of largest fish revealed By Richard Black Environment Correspondent, BBC News website

Knowledge of the whale shark's behaviour can help tailor conservation policies

Rachel Graham Hi-tech electronic tags on whale sharks, the world's largest fish, have revealed how and where they find food.

Researchers in Belize have tracked the sharks as they dive almost a kilometre in search of food, and find shoals of spawning fish in order to eat the eggs.

The sharks grow to 20m in length, and are listed as vulnerable to extinction.

The researchers believe their findings will help to plan tourism operations around whale sharks in a way that does not harm the creatures themselves.

These new, unprecedented insights into the whale sharks' world come from the Belize Barrier Reef, the world's second largest barrier reef system and a site given UN World Heritage status.

"Our study showed that sharks dive much deeper than previously believed, reaching depths of over 1,000m in search of food," said Rachel Graham, of the US-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

"Water this deep is only a few degrees above freezing; and this explains why tropical whale sharks have an insulating fat layer just below their skins, something which has perplexed scientists for years."

Day or night

Close encounters with a gentle giant

In pictures

During the night, the sharks generally remain in shallow water, feeding off plankton, and reserving deep dives for the heat of the day.

Deep dives often end with a high-speed ascent, perhaps to deliver a burst of oxygen to their bodies after a period in deeper, less oxygenated water.

Around the time of the full moon, Cubera snappers come together near the shore to spawn, forming huge masses of writhing bodies in a "soup" of freshly-released eggs.

For the whale sharks, this is a feast, and they swim through the egg soup time and time again, filling their giant mouths with snapper caviar.

This habit of surfacing during spawning allowed the scientists to attach electronic tags to the whale sharks.

The tags make regular recordings of temperature, water pressure and light level. After a pre-programmed period, they automatically detach from the shark, float to the surface and beam their data back as an e-mail via satellite.

Slow and easy

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is found globally, both in open water and near shore.

Hunted primarily for fins, the whale shark is 'vulnerable' to extinction Despite its huge size, it eats plankton rather than people, and its slow movements make it easy to catch by harpoon or net.

IUCN, the World Conservation Union, lists the whale shark as "vulnerable" in its Red List of threatened species.

Owing to a demand for fins, trade in its parts is now regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites).

However, a different industry is now growing in some parts of the world, including Belize, using the creature as a tourist attraction.

"Knowledge of the whale shark's dive behaviour can help us tailor conservation policies in a way which minimises impact on them," Dr Graham told the BBC News website.

"We now know that the spawnings, the predictable pulses of food, are important enough to the shark that they change their regular behaviour to make use of them.

"So protection of the critical habitat that these feeding sites represent, and of the sharks when they're visiting, is key to sustaining the sharks."

The WCS and University of York scientists publish their findings in the Royal Society's journal Interface.

The Beluga, or White Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) makes its home in the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean and adjoining seas, such as the Sea of Okhotsk, Hudson Bay, and the Bering Sea.

Beluga males average 14 ft. in length and weigh approximately 1,400 lbs. at maturity. Females usually reach 13 ft. and weigh considerably less-- about 900 lbs. Calves are about 4 ft. at birth, weighing in at about 100 lbs.

Belugas are not born white. Calves are gray for the first year, with pigment leaving the skin after about 6 years. Even then, there may be small pigment traces on the edges of the flippers and tail flukes. These whales have a total of 32 to 40 small teeth and have no dorsal fin. However, they do have a remarkable abilility to make sounds, which lead some early mariners to call Belugas "sea canaries".

Blue Whale

Long and streamlined, the Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is the largest animal ever to appear on earth. This colossus of the deep has been reported to reach over 100 ft. in length and weigh up to 160 tons. The average weight range for both sexes is about 90-144 tons. Calves, born in April or May, are 20 to 23 ft. at birth, weighing in around 8 tons.The Blue Whale is a plankton feeder and its appetite is enormous. Marine biologists estimate this creature can eat 4 tons of its favorite planktonic crustaceans a day.Heavily hunted, the population of Blue Whales has dramatically decreased over the last 60 years. The species is almost extinct in the eastern North Atlantic and total estimates put the worldwide number somewhere between 7,000 and 13,000

Grey Whale

The Grey Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) is the sole species found in the Exchrichtidae family of baleen whales. Ranging, for the most part, in the North Pacific, it was present until relatively recently in the North Atlantic as well. Greys grow to a large size. Males average 40 ft.; females 42 ft. Females weigh somewhat more than males, about 34 tons. At birth, calves are usually around 15 ft.The normal color of the species is dark gray, with most members mottled and covered with lighter flecks. The mottling patterns are constant enough to enable individual whales to be identified from photographs. Grey Whales lack a dorsal fin and are adapted to bottom-feeding, the only baleen whale to feed by biting mouthfuls of bottom sediment and straining the mud for food.The Grey Whale population is around 20,000 individuals

Humpback Whale

A baleen whale, the Humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a member of the Balaenopteridae family. This family also has a common name, the rorquals. A distinguishing characteristic of the Humpback Whale is its extremely long flippers. Males produce the longest songs in the animal world--songs that are slowly changed over time. Humpback males average 48 ft. in length, while females are usually a few feet longer. The weight range for both sexes is approximately 34-45 tons. Calves are approximately 15 ft. at birth and weigh 1.5 tons. The color of Humpbacks is almost black, with white in the area of the throat grooves. Found in oceans throughout the world, the total Humbpack Whale population is estimated at about 25,000 individuals.

Species - Minke Whale

The Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata] is one of the ten species of baleen whales. Also known as the Piked Whale, the Minke, is a relatively common species.

With a range spanning most oceans, the Minke, like the Humpback, is a member of the rorqual family. Grooves run from the tip of its lower jaw to near its navel--almost half its total body length. The Minke is also the smallest of the rorqual whale family, with males averaging 26 ft. and females a foot longer. Body weight averages 6 to 8 tons for both sexes. Calves enter the world at about 10 ft., weighing approximately 1,000 lbs.

Minke Whale coloration is a bluish dark gray above and lighter on the underside, with its flippers usually displaying large white patches. Currently, Minke population is estimated to be approximately 900,000.

Species - Narwhal Whale

The Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is a medium-sized whale found in Arctic waters. The species not only lacks a dorsal fin but the male Narwhal has a distinguishing feature unique in the world of whales: a tooth that grows into a long, spiral tusk that may reach 9 ft. This forbidding tusk can serve as a weapon in disputes.

Narwhals have a cylindrical body, with a blunt head and small mouth. Males average about 16 ft. in length; females about 13 ft. The at-birth length of a calf is usually about 5 ft. Though measured in tons, Narwhals are far from whale heavweights. Mature males usually weigh about 1.8 tons, females somewhat lighter, around a ton.

Young Narwhals are bluish gray in color, but adults are distinctively marked with leopard-like spots. The Narwhal diet consists mostly of squid, crabs, shrimps and fish. Narwhals are also among the most vocal of whale species, producing a variety of clicks and whistling sounds. Estimates of population size for Narwhals ranges between 10,000 and 20,000.

- Orca Whale

One of the species of toothed whales that include Sperm Whales and Narwhals, Orcas are the most widely distributed of all the earth's mammals. The fast-swimming Orca (Orcinus orca) is generally considered to be the most feared of all the ocean predators, though documented attacks on humans are very rare.

A medium-length cetacean, the Orca's teeth more than make up for any lack of size. In adults, they may be almost 5 inches long, curving inwards and backwards. The teeth also interlock when the jaws close. Orcas are heavily-bodied, with a round head, a tall, triangular dorsal fin, and abnormally large flippers, which sometimes grow to 20 percent of body length.

At birth, calves are usually about 8 ft. The adult male Orca grows to about 27 ft. (maximum 32 ft.), while the female reaches an average of about 23 ft. (maximum 28ft.). As for color, Orcas are basically black above, with a sharply defined white underside. A dramatic white spot appears above the eye. The Orca social unit is the pod, an extended family of 5-20 members. Fish, squid, skates, sharks, seals, sea lions, sea otters and other whales are among their principal foods. Orcas also produce a range of distinctive calls, some of which are specific to particular pods.

There are no current reliable Orca population estimates.

Right Whale

A baleen whale, scientists consider the Right (Balaena glacialis) to be the most endangered of all whale species. In fact, the current worldwide total is estimated to be about 1,000 individuals.

Large and a slow swimmer, the Right Whale's body is so rich in oil, it floats when dead (unlike the rorquals which have to be inflated to prevent them from sinking). This fact, coupled with its very high quality baleen, made it the "right" whale to hunt. The length of Right Whales averages about 50 ft. for both sexes. Adults weigh approximately 60 tons. It takes about 5 to 8 years for a female to reach sexual maturity and their 16-19 ft. calves are usually born only every three years.

The body of the Right Whale is somewhat rotund and lacks a dorsal fin. Its head is very large, about 25 percent of total body length in an adult, with an upper jaw that contains many baleen plates. These filtering plates, as much as 7 ft. long, are surpassed in length only by baleen of the Bowhead Whale.

Current Right Whale population distribution is concentrated in Newfoundland, Patagonia, Tristan da Cunha, South Africa, New Zealand, Western and Eastern Australia, Japan and Alaska.

Sperm Whale

The Sperm Whale (Physeter catodon), of Moby Dick fame, is the largest carnivore on earth. Also known as The Cachalot, the Great Sperm Whale is grouped with other toothed whales.

Great Sperm Whale males can grow as large as 50-60 ft. and weigh 40 tons. Females, however, are considerably smaller. They rarely grow beyond 36 ft., weighing about 22 tons. Females give birth to 13 ft. calves. The entire skin surface of the Sperm Whale has a corrugated appearance. Normal color is a dark grey above, with a light brownish underside. The lower jaw and the narrow margin of skin flanking is pure white.

The Sperm Whale's profile is unique. An extraordinarily large flat-topped head, blunt snout and relatively small jaw housing large pointed teeth are distinctive characteristics. There is no true dorsal fin and Sperm Whale flippers are quite short. Deep divers, these whales sometimes stay under for two hours.

Sperm Whales also have hearty appetites. Adults can eat up to a ton of squid a day. Though the species has been hunted for hundreds of years, the current population is estimated at several hundred thousand. However, the vast majority are females.

Movies:

RECOMMENDATIONS!!!
THE BLACK THING IS A CHARRED LOG THAT I HAPPENED TO THINK LOOKED NICE IN THE PIC.
Seek advice of local people before swimming, surfing or diving in areas where shark attacks have occurred. Reason: Locals know the area.
Remain aware of your surroundings and the behavior of marine life nearby. Reason: Their actions may alert you to the presence of a shark.
If you suddenly become uneasy, leave the water immediately. Reason: Your instincts may be providing a warning of impending danger.
Do not harass or touch any shark, even a small one. Reason: Any shark is capable of inflicting injury.
Do not enter the water if sharks are present, and leave the water the water slowly and quietly if they are sighted or you are requested to do so by a lifeguard. Reason: If sharks are in the immediate area, the risk of injury is increased.
Do not swim, surf or dive alone Reason: Sharks may be more likely to bite solitary individuals, and if you are injured there is nobody to help you.
Do not stray far from shore Reason: You are farther from assistance, should you need it.
GALAPAGOSSHARK
Avoid swimming at night. Reason: There is strong evidence to suggest that sharks move in closer to a land mass (island or shore) following sunset.
Avoid murky or turbid water. Reason: Some species of sharks hunt in murky or turbid water, others may bite because of stress, and others may simply fail to recognize an object and bite to find out what it is. It is also difficult to defend yourself from something you cannot see.
Avoid swimming close to river mouths. Reason: Freshwater plankton dies and attracts fish, some species of fish spawn at river mouths, and carcasses of dead animals are carrieddownstream. All these conditions attract predators such as sharks.
Be cautious when swimming in the breakers. Reason: Sharks may become stressed due to the low visibility and sudden presence of humans..
Don't swim close to sandbars. Reason: Any natural structure attracts a variety of marine animals and may be a feeding area for sharks.
Be cautious crossing channels between sandbars or on the edge of steep drop offs. Reason: These are often feeding areas for sharks.
Avoid swimming or surfing near jetties. Reason: These are often feeding areas for sharks.
Do not corner a shark or cut off its path to open water. Reason: It may feel threatened and react defensively.
Avoid swimming in areas where birds are diving into the water. Reason: Diving birds indicate schools of fish are in the area and the likelihood that sharks in the area is increased.
If schools of fish are milling nearby, do not attempt to chase them from the area. Reason: Frightened, darting fish create distinctive sounds that are very attractive to sharks.
If baitfish are leaping at or above the surface, leave the water immediately. Reason: Predator fish, possibly sharks, are feeding on the baitfish.
If spearfishing or collecting shellfish, do not attach your catch to a stringer at your waist, and stay alert when removinga fish from your spear. If wade-fishing, do not carry bait on your person. Reason: A shark attempting to snatch your catch or the bait, could inadvertently injure you.
If spearfishing, change your location frequently. Reason: The vibrations of speared fish attract sharks.
Avoid areas where any type of fishing activity is taking place or offal is dumped into the sea. Reason: These areas attract sharks.
The presence of porpoises and dolphins does not mean there are no sharks hunting in the area. Reason: These species often feed with sharks.
Leave the water when pods of dolphin cluster or head inshore Reason: This behavior is often associated with the proximity of sharks.
Avoid swimming, surfing or diving in the vicinity of pinniped haul-outs or rookeries. Reason: These animals are the prey of large sharks, including white sharks.
Avoid high contrast swim suits Reason: It is thought sharks are attracted to high-contrast objects.
Refrain from excess splashing or making quick, abrupt movements in the water. Reason: It suggests an animal in distress.
Do not swim with dogs or horses. Reason: Their splashing may attract a predator.
If a shark approaches uncomfortably close, keep it at bay with your speargun or a shark billy. Do not attempt to spear the shark unless you think an attack is imminent. Reason: The shark may simply be curious, but if you respond with aggression the shark may react in the same way.
If you are bitten by a shark and you are wearing a wetsuit, don't remove the wetsuit except to control arterial bleeding. Reason: A wetsuit acts as a pressure bandage and restricts the loss of blood.
Take both a CPR course and an advanced first aid course. Reason: Many fatalities in the GSAF file could have been avoided if arterial bleeding had been recognized and stopped, and basic life support provided until professional medical assistance arrived. The life you save could be your own or that of a loved one.

Television:

ONE OF MY FAVORITE SITES FOR SHARK NEWS AND UPDATES ON HOW TO HELP.~~
http://www.underwatertimes.com/index.htm
http://www.marine.org.au/index.htm
www.sharkmans-world.com
http://home.arcor.de/the_sharkman/
TEN COMMANDMENTS OF ANIMAL GUARDIANSHIP:
1. When you adopt me, remember that my life is likely to last 15 to 20 years. Please don't forsake me, any separation from you is painful.
2. Please give me time to understand what it is you want from me. Change can be more difficult for me than for you.
3. Please don't be angry with me for a long time, and don't lock me up alone as punishment. You have your human family, your friends, your entertainment and I ONLY HAVE YOU!!!
4. Please trust me and help me to trust you . . . it is crucial for mine as well as your well being.
5. Talk to me . . . even if you think I don't understand your words I understand your voice and love it when you speak to me and stroke me.
6. Before you hit me remember that I have teeth and claws and could easily hurt you but I choose not to bite and scratch you because I love you.
7. Be aware, that however you treat me, I WILL NEVER FORGET!!!
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative or bad, ask yourself if maybe something is wrong and there is another reason for my behavior. Perhaps I am sick, hot, old or just plain tired, frustrated and weak. PLEASE TRY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE ME AND PUT YOUR SELF IN MY PLACE.
9. Please take care of me when I get old and don't abandon me, for you too will grow old. Please notice when I am ill because I need you to take me to the vet for help when I am ill just as you need to see a doctor.
10. Go with me on the most difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Do it when I leave" because I need you with me even at the end of my journeys. Please always do what is best for me even if it is unbearable for you to do so because I love you and trust that you will.
stolen from:* Knee C * Thanks Honey!
Crittercam host Mike Heithaus tries to find out what large sharks are really like, and how important they are in maintaining the diversity of marine life.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME INFORMATION FOR HELPING ANIMALS OF ALL KINDS! I WILL TRY TO POST IT ON HERE SOON AFTER! ANY UPDATES WILL BE PASSED ON AS BULLENTINS OR IF ONGOING ON HERE TOO! ALL ANIMALS NEED VOICES! ESP THE ONES WHO DON'T GET MANY TO SHOUT FOR THEM! I APPRECIATE INFO ON COMPANIES THAT DO OR DO NOT TEST ON ANIMALS..ESP COSMETIC COMPANIES. OF ALL THE VAIN, EGOTISTICAL HORRIBLE EVIL SHIT WE COULD DO, WHY THE HELL DO WE NEED TO TORTURE ANIMALS FOR MAKE UP?this picture - the beagle puppy. you know what that torture was for? testing f'ing cosmetics for prissy selfish girls that care only about themselves. it's REALLY NOT difficult to find something that's not tested on animals. scients can now make fake skin/bone that is IDENTICAL to humans and test on that stuff instead.
FurEach year, over 40 million beautiful animals are brutally murdered so rich old ladies and tacky people can wear them as coats, hats, shawls, boots, and trim. That's 40 million foxes, raccoons, mink, coyotes, bunnies, even dogs and cats. There are little to no laws governing fur farmers, which enables them to treat and kill animals as they please. Animals are stomped to death, have their necks broken, gassed, anally and vaginally electricuted, even skinned alive. That is why PAFA is taking on Philadelphia's largest family of fur hags,
Frequently Asked Questions The animal-testing issue has made a big impact on the cosmetics and toiletries market in recent years. Not only are there now a large number of small, cruelty-free companies but a number of the major brands are now also promoting themselves as cruelty-free. Avon was the first to do so in 1989. In fact, the best selling brands - Boots, Avon, Max Factor, Rimmel, Revlon, Yardley and Estee Lauder - all now claim to be 'not tested on animals'. However, it is unclear just what these claims mean, especially when in some cases, the parent company is still carrying out animal tests on ingredients and on its other brands. .
Nowhere in the world is animal testing of cosmetics, toiletries or household cleaners actually required by law. In most countries the law simply states that cosmetics and toiletries must be safe for human use. Critic maintain that animal test data is only used to defend the company against consumer lawsuits. .
As well as being wholly inappropriate, the continued testing of these products on animals is simply unnecessary. There are many products and ingredients already available whose safety has been demonstrated by years of use on humans. .
Many of the companies producing cosmetics, toiletries, and household cleaners are also active in other industries, such as the pharmaceutical, chemical or petroleum industries. These industries are closely related due to the nature of the raw materials used in the products. .
These companies are frequently criticized, not only for their use of animal is tests, but also for the polluting of rivers with hazardous waste and for the inappropriate marketing of harmful products. .
Why are these companies included on the Do Test list? The following companies manufacture products that ARE tested on animals. Those marked with a t are currently observing a moratorium on (i.e., current suspension of) animal testing. Please encourage them to announce a permanent ban. Listed in parentheses are examples of products manufactured by either the company listed or, if applicable, its parent company. For a complete listing of products manufactured by a company on this list, please visit the companys Web site or contact it directly for more information. Companies on this list may manufacture individual lines of products without animal testing (e.g., Clairol claims that its Herbal Essences line are not animal tested). They have not, however, eliminated animal testing from their entire line of cosmetics and household products.
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Similarly, companies on this list may make some products, such as pharmaceuticals, that are required by law to be tested on animals. However, the reason for these companies inclusion is not the required animal testing that they conduct, but rather the animal testing of personal care and household products that is not required by law..
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What can be done about animal tests required by law? Although animal testing of pharmaceuticals and certain chemicals is still mandated by law, the arguments against using animals in cosmetics testing are still valid when applied to the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. These industries are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, respectively, and it is the responsibility of the companies that kill animals in order to bring their products to market to convince the regulatory agencies that there is a better way to determine product safety. PETA is actively working on this front by funding development and validation of non-animal test methods and providing input through our involvement on government advisory committees at both the national and international levels. Companies resist progress because the crude nature of animal tests allows them to market many products that might be determined to be too toxic if cell culture tests were used. Let companies know how you feel about this. .
Arm & Hammer (Church & Dwight), P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, PA 19044-6625; 609-683-5900; 800-524-1328; www.armhammer.com tBic Corporation, 500 Bic Dr., Milford, CT 06460; 203-783-2000; www.bicworld.com .
Boyle-Midway (Reckitt Benckiser), 2 Wickman Rd., Toronto, ON M8Z 5M5 Canada; 416-255-2300 .
tBraun (Gillette Company), 400 Unicorn Park Dr., Woburn, MA 01801; 800-272-8611; www.braun.com .
Chesebrough-Ponds (Faberg, Ponds, Vaseline), 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; 800-743-8640; www.pondssquad.com .
Church & Dwight (Aim, Arm & Hammer, Arrid, Brillo, Close-up, Ladys.
Choice, Mentadent, Nair, Pearl Drops), P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, PA 19044- 6625; 609-683-5900; 800-524-1328; www.churchdwight.com Clairol (Aussie, Daily Defense, Herbal Essences, Infusium 23, Procter & Gamble), 1 Blachley Rd., Stamford, CT 06922; 800-252-4765; .
www.clairol.com .
Clorox (ArmorAll, Formula 409, Fresh Step, Glad, Liquid Plumber, Pine-Sol, Soft Scrub, S.O.S., Tilex), 1221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612; 510-271-7000; 800-227-1860; www.clorox.com .
Colgate-Palmolive Co. (Ajax, Fab, Hills Pet Nutrition, Mennen, Palmolive, SoftSoap, Speed Stick), 300 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022; 212-310-2000; 800-221-4607; www.colgate.com .
Coty (Adidas, Calvin Klein, Davidoff, Glow, The Healing Garden, JOOP!, Jovan, Kenneth Cole, Lancaster, Marc Jacob, Rimmel, Stetson), 1325 Ave. of the Americas, 324th Fl., New York, NY 10019; 212-389-7000; www.coty.com Cover Girl (Procter & Gamble), One Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745; www.covergirl.com .
Del Laboratories (CornSilk, LaCross, Naturistics, New York Color, Sally Hansen), 178 EAB Plz., Uniondale, NY 11556; 516-844-2020; 800-952-5080; www.dellabs.com .
Dial Corporation (Purex, Renuzit), 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 5028, Scottsdale, AZ 85254-2199; 800-528-0849; www.dialcorp.com Erno Laszlo, 3202 Queens Blvd., Long Island City, NY 11101; 718-729-4480; www.ernolaszlo.com .
tGillette Co. (Braun, Duracell), Prudential Tower Bldg., Boston, MA 02199; 617-421-7000; 800-872-7202; www.gillette.com Helene Curtis Industries (Finesse, Salon Selectives, Thermasilk, Unilever), 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; 800-621-2013; www.helenecurtis.com .
Johnson & Johnson (Aveeno, Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, ROC), 1 Johnson & Johnson Plz., New Brunswick, NJ 08933; 732-524-0400; 800-526-3967; www.jnj.com .
Kimberly-Clark Corp. (Cottonelle, Huggies, Kleenex, Kotex, Pull-Ups, Scott Paper), P.O. Box 619100, Dallas, TX 75261-9100; 800-544-1847; www.kimberly-clark.com .
Lever Bros. (Unilever), 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-598-1223; www.unilever.com LOral U.S.A. (Biotherm, Cacharel, Garnier, Giorgio Armani, Helena Rubinstein, Lancme, Matrix Essentials, Maybelline, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Redken, Soft Sheen, Vichy), 575 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10017; .
212-818-1500; www.lorealcosmetics.com Max Factor (Procter & Gamble), One Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745; www.maxfactor.com Mead, 10 W. Second St., ..1, Dayton, OH 45402; 937-495-6323; www.meadweb.com.
Melaleuca, 3910 S. Yellowstone Hwy., Idaho Falls, ID 83402-6003; 208-522-0700; www.melaleuca.com .
Mennen Co. (Colgate-Palmolive), 191 E. Hanover Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960-3151; 973-631-9000; www.colgate.com .
Neoteric Cosmetics, 4880 Havana St., Denver, CO 80239-0019; 303-373-4860.
New Dana Perfumes, 470 Oakhill Rd., Crestwood Industrial Park, Mountaintop, PA 18707; 800-822-8547.
Noxell (Procter & Gamble), 11050 York Rd., Hunt Valley, MD 21030-2098; 410-785-7300; 800-572-3232; www.pg.com Olay Co./Oil of Olay (Procter & Gamble), P.O. Box 599, Cincinnati, OH 45201; 800-543-1745; www.oilofolay.com .
tOral-B (Gillette Company), 600 Clipper Dr., Belmont, CA 94002-4119; 415-598-5000; www.oralb.com Pantene (Procter & Gamble), One Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 800-945-7768; www.pantene.com .
Pfizer (BenGay, Desitin, Listerine, Lubriderm, Plax, Visine), 235 E. 42nd St., New York, NY 10017-5755; 212-573-2323; www.pfizer.com Physique (Procter & Gamble), One Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 800-214-8957; www.physique.com .
Playtex Products (Baby Magic, Banana Boat, Ogilvie), 300 Nyala Farms Rd., Westport, CT 06880; 203-341-4000; www.playtex.com Procter & Gamble Co. (Clairol, Cover Girl, Crest, Giorgio, Iams, Max Factor, Physique, Tide), One Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745; www.pg.com .
Reckitt Benckiser (Easy Off, Lysol, Mop & Glo, Old English, Resolve, Spray N Wash, Veet, Woolite), 1655 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ 07474-0943; 973-633-3600; 800-232-9665; www.reckittbenckiser.com .
Richardson-Vicks (Procter & Gamble), One Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745; www.pg.com Sally Hansen (Del Laboratories), 178 EAB Plz., Uniondale, NY 11556; 800-645-9888; www.sallyhansen.com .
Schering-Plough (Bain de Soleil, Coppertone, Dr. Scholls), 1 Giralda Farms, Madison, NJ 07940-1000; 201-822-7000; 800-842-4090; www.sch-plough.com .
S.C. Johnson (Drano, Edge, Fantastik, Glade, OFF!, Oust, Pledge, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout, Skintimate, Windex, Ziploc), 1525 Howe St., Racine, WI 53403; 800-494-4855; www.scjohnson.com .
SoftSoap Enterprises (Colgate-Palmolive), 300 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022; 800-221-4607; www.colgate.com Suave (Unilever), 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-782-8301; www.suave.com 3M (Post-It, Scotch), 3M Center, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000; 651-733-1110; 800-364-3577; www.3m.com .
Unilever (Axe, Dove, Helene Curtis, Lever Bros., Suave), 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-598-1223; www.unilever.com .
Legendt The company is currently observing a moratorium on animal testing.
5 more ways you can help animals
1. Educate your elected officals about the Link between animal abuse and violence against children and the need for protective Laws.
2. report animal abuse or neglect to your local animal welfare or law enforcement agency.
3. spay or neuter your pet, and encourage others to do so, to reduce overpopulation - the main reason millions of dogs n cats are euthanized.
4. volunterr at your local humane society or animal shelter. abdandoned and abused animals need your hands on care and kindness
5. Adopt an older cat or Dog from your local humane society or shelter. Most older animals are already trained and need good homes.
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Books:

THE VARIETY PACK...

These are some photos I came across of beautiful and unsual deep sea animals. I had to include them.

I want to give credit to one of the amazing artists who is doing this cutting edge photography. His name is Peter Batson and he has a fantastic site called www.exploretheabyss.com . What he is doing is showing us things which no humans have ever seen in all of history. some artists have powers to entertain and others have the power to open our minds to things we had no idea about. We appreciate the work which the scientists and deep sea photographers are doing as it is they who are showing us things which we could previously only imagine.

Heroes:

PACIFIC ANGEL

COPY AND PASTE FOR INFO ON SHARK TOURS/DIVING ETC. :

http://www.sharkbookings.com/

http://www.sharktourshawaii.com/

http://www.sharkcagediving.net/

http://www.sharkriders.com/

SPINY DOGFISH SHARK
.."http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e156/haleylovemom/

My Blog

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Killer Dolphins Baffle Marine Experts

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Posted by IT'S ALL ABOUT SHARKS! on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:44:00 PST

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10. Narcissus These cheerful yellow and white harbingers of spring, aka daffodils and jonquils, are actually mildly toxic if the bulbs are eaten in large quantities (Narcissus pseudonarcissus is shown...
Posted by IT'S ALL ABOUT SHARKS! on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:41:00 PST

Huge Rodent Was Bigger than a BullBy Charles Q. Choi

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Computer Understands Barking Dogs By Charles Q. Choi

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