Marine Environments:
* Oceans: The vast majority of sharks live in salt water oceans, from the tropics to the poles. They can be found in deep ocean trenches, coral reefs, and even coastal waters.
* Coastal Waters: Many shark species live close to shore, in areas like estuaries, bays, and lagoons. These areas often offer food sources like fish and smaller marine life.
* Coral Reefs: Coral reefs are a haven for many shark species, providing shelter and abundant prey.
* Open Ocean: Some shark species are pelagic, meaning they live in the open ocean, far from any landmass.
Freshwater Environments:
* Rivers and Lakes: A small number of shark species are freshwater, including the bull shark and the river shark. They have adapted to survive in brackish and freshwater environments.
Key Environmental Factors:
* Temperature: Different shark species have different temperature tolerances. Some thrive in warm waters, while others prefer colder temperatures.
* Salinity: Most sharks are saltwater fish, but some species have adapted to live in brackish or freshwater environments.
* Water Depth: Sharks can be found at various depths, from shallow coastal waters to the deepest ocean trenches.
* Food Availability: The type and abundance of prey is a major factor in where sharks live.
* Currents: Some sharks use ocean currents to travel long distances or to find food.
* Habitat: Specific features of the environment, like coral reefs, seagrass beds, or rocky outcroppings, can provide shelter and food sources for sharks.
It's important to remember that sharks are not all the same. Their specific environmental preferences vary greatly depending on their species, size, and life stage.