A biologist focuses on the 7 deadliest sharks in the world

The International Shark Attack File is a data source for those who want to understand the numbers behind shark attacks. It is the only scientifically documented comprehensive database of known shark attacks dating back to the 16th century.

However, like any data set, it is not perfect. Many shark attacks go unreported and therefore do not make the list. Also, sharks that have bitten humans are notoriously difficult to identify. Often, less common shark species are mistaken for more common species after being bitten.

However, it’s better to have some data than no data when answering questions like which shark species has killed the most people. Here’s what the International Shark Attack File can tell us about the world’s most dangerous sharks.

1. Great White Shark (351 known attacks, 59 deaths)

White shark (Carcharodon carcharias), also known as the great white shark, is by far the deadliest shark species in the world. At over 20 feet in length and weighing several thousand pounds, they have enormous strength. Their sharp, serrated teeth and powerful jaws can exert a bite force of up to 4,000 pounds per square inch, capable of taking down large prey with ease. Great whites are also incredibly fast and agile, reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour in short bursts. Enhanced by their keen senses, including keen eyesight, a strong sense of smell, and sensitive electroreceptors, they can effectively locate and ambush prey. Their varied diet and bold curiosity underline their status as apex predators, making encounters with these majestic creatures both awe-inspiring and dangerous.

2. Tiger Shark (142 known attacks, 39 deaths)

Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are known for their lethal effectiveness as predators. Their robust build, averaging around 10 to 14 feet in length, gives them considerable strength and agility in the water. Equipped with a set of serrated teeth designed to cut through flesh and bone, they can inflict devastating wounds on their prey. Tiger sharks have voracious appetites and a wide-ranging diet that includes fish, seals, turtles, seabirds, and even other sharks. In addition, their keen sense of smell and sharp vision allow them to locate prey at great distances. Tiger sharks are known for their scavenging tendencies. These characteristics, combined with their territorial behavior, make encounters with tiger sharks potentially dangerous, earning them a fearsome reputation as one of the ocean’s most dangerous predators.

3. Bull Shark (119 known attacks, 26 deaths)

bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are renowned for their reputation as deadly predators, primarily due to their adaptability and aggressiveness. They thrive in both saltwater and freshwater environments and are known to inhabit rivers, estuaries and coastal areas, bringing them into frequent contact with humans. Bull sharks have a stout, muscular build and powerful jaws armed with rows of sharp teeth capable of delivering devastating bites. They are opportunistic feeders, feeding on a wide variety of marine life including fish, dolphins and even other sharks. Their territorial nature and tendency to venture into shallow waters where people swim and surf increases the likelihood of encounters, which increases their perceived danger. Additionally, bull sharks are known for their unpredictability and willingness to engage in aggressive behavior, making them one of the most feared aquatic predators.

4. Blue Shark (13 known attacks, 4 deaths)

Blue sharks (Prionation glauca), while not typically considered as deadly to humans as some other species, are formidable predators in their own right. Their sleek, hydrodynamic bodies and long, slender jaws equipped with rows of razor-sharp teeth make them powerful hunters. With speeds reaching up to 24 miles per hour, blue sharks are fast and agile, allowing them to chase and catch fast-moving prey such as squid, fish and small sharks. While they primarily feed on smaller sea creatures, their size, strength and predatory instincts mean that encounters with humans can still be deadly. However, blue sharks are generally shy and prefer to avoid confrontation, so attacks on humans are rare. However, their presence in open waters around the world and their ability to adapt to different environmental conditions cements their place as apex predators in marine ecosystems.

5. Oceanic whitetip shark (15 known attacks, 3 deaths)

Oceanic whitetip sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus) are deadly predators due to their aggressive nature and opportunistic feeding habits. These sharks have a distinctive white-tipped dorsal fin and are known for their boldness and fearlessness. They prefer open ocean environments and are often found in deep waters far from shore. Oceanic whitetips are opportunistic hunters that forage for a variety of marine life, including fish, octopus, and even larger animals such as turtles and small whales. Their broad, rounded jaws are lined with sharp, triangular teeth, allowing them to effectively grip and tear apart their prey. Despite their relatively modest size, usually around 6 to 10 feet in length, their bold demeanor and powerful bite make encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks dangerous, especially in situations where they mistake humans for prey or when they compete for food.

6. Bronze Whaler Shark (16 known attacks, 1 fatality)

Bronze Sharks (Carcharhinus brachyurus), also known as copperhead sharks, are formidable predators primarily due to their size, strength and aggressive hunting tactics. These sharks can grow up to 10 to 12 feet long and have strong bodies built for fast swimming. With a wide diet that includes fish, squid, stingrays and the occasional seal, bronze whalers are the apex predators in the waters they inhabit. They are equipped with rows of sharp teeth and can cause serious injuries with their strong bite. While attacks on humans are rare, their territorial behavior and potential to mistake swimmers or surfers for prey can lead to dangerous encounters. Additionally, their presence in coastal waters, often near popular beach destinations, underscores the importance of understanding and respecting their role in the marine environment.

7. Shortfin Mako Shark (10 known attacks, 1 fatality)

Shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) are considered deadly predators due to their remarkable speed, agility and impressive hunting techniques. They are the fastest sharks in the ocean, capable of swimming at speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour, allowing them to quickly pursue and catch prey. With streamlined bodies and strong muscles, shortfin makos are highly effective hunters that prey on a variety of fast-moving fish and cephalopods such as tuna and squid. Equipped with sharp, serrated teeth and a powerful bite, they can inflict serious injuries with lightning-fast strikes. While attacks on humans are rare, encounters with mako sharks can be dangerous due to their size, strength and predatory instincts.