Sharks commonly encountered by humans:
* Great White Shark: The apex predator of the ocean, known for its size and fearsome reputation.
* Tiger Shark: A large, opportunistic predator found in tropical and subtropical waters.
* Bull Shark: A particularly aggressive species known for entering freshwater rivers.
* Blacktip Shark: A common coastal shark found in warm waters, often seen near beaches.
* Sandbar Shark: Another common coastal species often seen in shallow waters.
* Hammerhead Shark: Distinguished by their distinctive hammer-shaped heads, several species exist.
* Whale Shark: The largest fish on Earth, a gentle filter feeder that is not a threat to humans.
Sharks commonly found in aquariums and popular media:
* Nurse Shark: A bottom-dwelling species known for its docile nature and distinctive appearance.
* Lemon Shark: Named for its yellowish color, it's a common aquarium inhabitant.
* Zebra Shark: Strikingly patterned with black and white stripes, this species is often found in aquariums.
* Angel Shark: A flat, camouflaged shark that resembles a ray, often found in shallow waters.
* Thresher Shark: Recognized by its extremely long, whip-like tail, used to stun prey.
Other common shark species:
* Blue Shark: A fast-swimming, open-ocean species known for its distinctive blue color.
* Mako Shark: A powerful, migratory shark known for its speed and agility.
* Dogfish Shark: A small, common shark often used as bait.
* Spiny Dogfish: Another small, common species found in colder waters.
* Catshark: A group of small, bottom-dwelling sharks with cat-like eyes.
This is just a sampling of the many shark species found around the world. Remember that sharks are an important part of the marine ecosystem and play a vital role in maintaining ocean health.