Biologist sheds light on the 7 deadliest sharks in the world

The International Shark Attack File is the go-to data source for those wanting to understand the numbers behind shark attacks. It is the only comprehensive, scientifically documented database of known shark attacks, dating back to the 1500s.

However, like any dataset, it is not perfect. Many shark attacks go unreported and therefore do not make the list. Additionally, sharks that have bitten people are notoriously difficult to identify. Often, after a bite, less common shark species are mistaken for more common species.

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

1. White shark (351 known attacks, 59 deaths)

The white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), also known as the great white shark, is by far the deadliest shark species in the world. With lengths exceeding 20 feet and weights reaching several thousand pounds, they possess immense power. Their sharp, serrated teeth and powerful jaws can deliver a bite force of up to 4,000 pounds per square inch, capable of incapacitating large prey with ease. White sharks are also incredibly fast and agile, reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour in short bursts. Enhanced by their heightened senses, including keen eyesight, a powerful sense of smell, and sensitive electroreceptors, they can effectively locate and ambush prey. Their varied diet and daring curiosity underscore their status as apex predators, making encounters with these majestic creatures both awe-inspiring and perilous.

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

Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are renowned for their deadly effectiveness as predators. Their sturdy construction, averaging about 10 to 14 feet in length, gives them considerable power and agility in the water. Equipped with a set of serrated teeth designed to slice through flesh and bone, they can inflict devastating wounds on their prey. Tiger sharks possess voracious appetites and a varied diet including fish, seals, turtles, seabirds and even other sharks. In addition, their keen sense of smell and keen vision allow them to locate their prey at great distances. Tiger sharks are known for their feeding tendency. These characteristics, combined with their territorial behavior, make encounters with tiger sharks potentially dangerous, earning them their fearsome reputation as one of the ocean’s most dangerous predators.

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

Bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are known for their reputation as deadly predators, largely due to their adaptability and aggressiveness. Thriving in both saltwater and freshwater environments, they are known to inhabit rivers, estuaries and coastal areas, putting them in frequent contact with humans. Bull sharks have a robust, muscular build and powerful jaws armed with rows of sharp teeth, capable of delivering devastating bites. They are opportunistic eaters that prey on a wide range of marine animals, including fish, dolphins and even other sharks. Their territorial nature and tendency to venture into shallow waters where humans swim and surf increases the likelihood of encounters, thereby increasing 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 (Prionace glauca), although not generally considered as deadly to humans as some other species, are fearsome predators in their own right. Their sleek, hydrodynamic bodies and long, thin jaws equipped with rows of razor-sharp teeth make them effective hunters. With speeds of up to 24 miles per hour, blue sharks are fast and agile, allowing them to pursue and capture fast-moving prey such as squid, fish and small sharks. Although they feed primarily on smaller sea creatures, their size, strength and predatory instincts mean encounters with humans can still be deadly. However, blue sharks are generally shy and prefer to avoid confrontation, making attacks on humans rare. Nonetheless, their presence in open waters around the world and their ability to adapt to various environmental conditions cements their place as apex predators in marine ecosystems.

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

Oceanic 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. Preferring open ocean environments, they are often encountered in deep waters, far from shore. Oceanic whitetips are opportunistic hunters, foraging for food and preying on a variety of marine animals, including fish, squid, and even larger animals such as turtles and small whales. Their broad, rounded jaws are lined with sharp, triangular teeth, allowing them to effectively grasp and tear their prey. Despite their relatively moderate size, usually between 6 and 10 feet long, their bold behavior and powerful bite make encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks dangerous, particularly in situations where they mistake humans for prey or when they are in competition for food.

6. Bronze whaler shark (16 known attacks, 1 death)

Bronze whale sharks (Carcharhinus brachyurus), also known as copperhead sharks, are fearsome predators primarily due to their size, strength, and aggressive hunting tactics. These sharks can grow up to 10 to 12 feet long and have powerful bodies designed to swim quickly. With a varied diet including fish, squid, rays and sometimes seals, bronze whalers are the main predators of the waters they inhabit. Equipped with rows of sharp, jagged teeth, they can inflict serious wounds with their powerful bites. Although attacks on humans are rare, their territorial behavior and ability to mistake swimmers or surfers for prey can lead to dangerous encounters. Additionally, their presence in coastal waters, often near popular seaside destinations, highlights the importance of understanding and respecting their role in the marine environment.

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

Short-fin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) are considered deadly predators due to their remarkable speed, agility, and fearsome 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 capture their prey. With streamlined bodies and powerful muscles, short-finned makos are very efficient hunters, preying on a variety of fast-moving fish and cephalopods such as tuna and squid. Equipped with sharp, jagged teeth and a powerful bite, they can inflict serious wounds with their lightning-fast strikes. Although attacks on humans are rare, encounters with shortfin mako sharks can be dangerous due to their size, strength and predatory instincts.