Pictures of Exotic and Scary Sharks

Galapagos Shark

The Galapagos shark suffered a blow when Ecuador lifted a ban on the sale and export of some shark fins July 23. These sharks are highly sought after because their fins are considered a delicacy in Asia and can sell for up to $50 each. Environmental groups have warned that lifting the protection on these sharks could lead to their extinction.

Great White Shark

These sharks can grow up to 21 feet long and weigh 5,000 pounds. Great whites have warm blood and warm muscles, which make them faster and stronger than most other sharks.

Thresher Shark

Thresher sharks are a widespread species of shark that can grow to nearly 15 feet in length. They are characterized by their scythe-like tails, which they use to stun their prey. Scientists recently placed thresher sharks on the endangered species list, designating them "globally threatened."

Spotted Wobbegong Shark

This sluggish shark often rests on the ocean floor near reefs. Its brown, spotted skin acts as camoflage. It has a flat body and head and likes to eat crabs, lobsters and octopi.

Ancient Frill Shark

This 5 foot long frilled shark was first spotted by a Japanese fisherman Jan. 21. Frilled, or frill, sharks are an ancient species whose bodies closely resemble fossils of prehistoric sharks dating from about 350 million years ago. These sharks are rarely spotted because they live at depths of about 2,000 feet.
- Rare Deep Sea Shark Found

'Walking Shark'

Scientists announced the discovery of 52 new species in the waters near Papua, Indonesia on Sept. 18. One of them is Hemiscyillum freycineti, an epaulette shark that walks along the ocean floor on its fins.

Fluorescent Shark

This extremely rare fluorescent yellow Port Jackson shark debuted at the Sydney Aquarium, March 30, 2004. The two-year-old male named "Mango" derives its unusual bright yellow coloring from a rare form of albinism.

Saw Shark

These unusual sharks have long noses covered with teeth. They use the saw to probe for food on the ocean bottom -- and then to stun it.

Leopard Shark

These sharks can grow up to 7 feet long. They live in a small range in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, along the coasts of Oregon, California and Mexico. Great Whites often eat these sharks.

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

These sharks grow to about 6 feet in length. They live all over the world and, although they only eat fish, they are potentially dangerous to humans.

Basking Shark

One of three shark species that eat by filter-feeding, basking sharks can grow up to 40 feet long. They swim with their mouths wide open and have gill rakers to filter zooplankton and other small tidbits out of the water.

Whale Shark

Growing up to 40 feet long, these sharks are the largest living fishes. They live in tropical oceans around the world, but are very rare. They eat plankton and do not harm people.

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