The shark is a species that is always scary, associated a predatory animal who is constantly stalking anyone who gets in his way. Even though it looks like a horror movie, sharks are in our seas, not very close to the coast, but in waters close to our peninsula. We will delve into knowing the species of sharks that live in the Mediterranean, to see first-hand the journey that this type of species takes closer than we imagine.
In the Mediterranean Sea there are many species of from? and the sharks cover almost a total of 90 species, many of them threatened with extinction due to uncontrolled fishing. There are campaigns in place to control this uncontrolled perch and there is still much to do. On the other hand, and the most feared part is the one we always ask ourselves… Can we fear for sharks on our coasts? Are we safe and do these sharks live in the high seas? Let's get to know some of the most important species that exist near Spain, we will also analyze which tibors are the ones that approach and under what circumstances.
9 species of sharks that live in the Mediterranean
1- Tintorera or Blue Shark
This shark is very well known and the most common that we can find in the Mediterranean Sea. They have reached record sightings near the coasts, but with harmless results, since it is usually quiet. The Mediterranean Sea is a warm sea, so it likes to move around cold currents, between 7 and 16ºC. It is a species classified as endangered, since images of injured sharks with hooks stuck in their bodies have been recorded.
2- Dogfish (Galeorhinus galeus)
Is well-known Dogfish that we know in the fishmongers and we have eaten so much in many restaurants. Many of us are unaware that this fish is actually a shark. It is not an endangered species, but it must be care so that it does not fall into unsustainable aquaculture. It lives at depths, between 40 and 400 meters. It reaches 2 meters in length and feeds on already adult specimens, such as crustaceans, cephalopods, demersals or echinoderms.
3- Silky shark
Scientifically called Carcharhinus falciformis. This shark is abundant in Mediterranean waters and likes to swim in the depths of the sea. Your skin It has a highly soft texture, hence it is particularly described with this name. He likes to stay near the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar, in depths of 50 meters.
It is a highly aggressive animal, so you have had unfortunate encounters with people and bad experiences. On the other hand, she likes feed mainly on schools of sardines and tuna. This type of species can become endangered, since fishing for tuna with nets can lead to accidental fishing of this shark. On the other hand, the consumption of shark fin also causes the number of specimens to decline.
4- The Bull Shark
Is known as the closed-tooth shark. It likes to live in sandy coastal bottoms up to 20 meters deep and in crystal clear waters. His pose and movements are quite calm and slow, with a weight of 160 kilos and a length of 3,5 meters. This species is well-known because it's often found in many aquariums. In fact, relevant information about the bull shark can help us better understand its behavior.
5- Basking Shark
This shark is a quite particular specimen and has a more harmless appearance than the rest of the other species. It doesn't have great terrifying teeth, but it does have a huge mouth that opens to filter up to 2.000 liters of water per hour, capturing zooplankton, crustaceans, fish eggs and larvae. It is a species in danger of extinction due to indiscriminate fishing of other species. The positive thing that is expected from this animal is that this shark He likes to travel long distances in the ocean when there are seasonal changes, making it difficult to follow its route.
6- Fox Shark
This species of shark also swims in the waters of the Mediterranean. It is not an aggressive animal, but rather shy and quiet. It is a large shark, reaching up to five meters in length, although what stands out most is its large tail fin, which can be half its size. With this fin he is able to hit the surface of the water so that the fish gather, beating and killing them, and then feeding on them.
7- White Shark
It is one of the most feared species, since they have been the protagonists of famous films. Is he called Jaquetón, a very feared, well-known and aggressive shark. It is known in many seas and we can find it in the Mediterranean Sea, although it may not seem like it, it avoids cold waters and is capable of Dive up to 1.800 meters. It's very rare to see it near our coasts, but up to 23 captures have been documented in the last 50 years. You can find more information about the great white shark in specialized articles.
8- Hammerhead Shark
This species is called Sphyrna zygaena and Sphyrna lewini. This shark is one of the most appreciated for its shape and design. The bad news is that its population in the Atlantic zone is already has been reduced by up to 95% in the last 30 years, but in the Mediterranean Sea there are still sharks in these warm waters, especially in the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. They remain in deep waters up to 500 meters, but it has been seen in waters 25 meters deep. They measure 4 meters long and weigh up to 150 kilograms, carrying a load of rays, sardines, crustaceans, mackerel or cephalopods.
9- Blackfin shark 
This shark also lives in areas of the Mediterranean, seeking areas 100 meters deep, although it prefers move in areas of 30 meters to feed on sardines, anchovies or bonito. It is a large predator, it aggressively hunts its prey, but it is not dangerous when approaching humans. When it has to catch its prey, it attacks quickly and emerges to the surface making a big turn unexpectedly. It can be located on the northern coast of Africa. The good news is that it is not in danger of extinction.
