Salinity: Most sharks are saltwater fish, meaning they live in the ocean. Some species, like the bull shark, can tolerate brackish water (a mix of fresh and saltwater) and even enter freshwater rivers.
Temperature: Different shark species prefer different temperatures. Some, like the great white shark, are cold-water species, while others, like the hammerhead shark, are warm-water species.
Depth: Sharks can be found at various depths, from shallow coastal waters to the deep ocean. Some species, like the whale shark, are pelagic, meaning they live in the open ocean, while others, like the nurse shark, prefer to live on the seafloor.
Habitat Type: Sharks are found in a variety of habitats, including:
* Coral reefs: These provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for many shark species.
* Seagrass beds: These offer food and protection for young sharks.
* Open ocean: Pelagic sharks often roam vast distances in the open ocean.
* Deep sea: Some species, like the goblin shark, inhabit the depths of the ocean.
Specific examples:
* Great White Shark: Cold, temperate waters, often near coastlines and islands.
* Tiger Shark: Warm, tropical and subtropical waters, near coastlines and estuaries.
* Whale Shark: Warm, tropical and subtropical waters, often in open ocean and near coral reefs.
* Hammerhead Shark: Warm, tropical and subtropical waters, near coastlines and around reefs.
* Nurse Shark: Warm, tropical and subtropical waters, often found on the seafloor near reefs and rocky areas.
It's important to remember that shark habitats are complex and varied. While we can make generalizations about preferred environments, individual sharks often move between different locations based on factors like food availability, water temperature, and breeding season.