The 10 largest sharks in the world. PHOTO

Sharks, the result of adaptation and evolutionary processes lasting millions of years, are animals that have always fascinated man. Characterized by the fact that they do not have a bone skeleton but cartilage, they are extraordinary animals that can reach large dimensions, even more than 12 meters in length, and are capable of traveling enormous distances in search of prey on which to sink their teeth. But what are the biggest sharks in the world?

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Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) – Considered critically endangered, it is the largest shark species in the world. Great consumer of plankton, krill, small crustaceans, larvae and small fishes, it is present in all tropical and temperate seas, but not in the Mediterranean. It is about 12 meters long, although the longest confirmed individual measured 18.8 meters. It poses no threat to humans

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Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) – It has average dimensions between 7 and 8 metres, but in some cases it can exceed 10 meters in length. It lives in temperate and warm waters and migrates seasonally. It feeds mainly on plankton, copepods, larvae and fish eggs and is considered a peaceful animal

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Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) – As the name suggests, it is native to the waters bordering the coasts of Greenland and Iceland. The largest specimens measure 6.4 meters in length but can also reach 7.3 meters. It feeds on marine mammals, fish and also on carrion

Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) – Found mainly in tropical and subtropical waters. On average between .25 and 4.25 meters long, it can reach up to about 7.3 m in length. Tiger shark specimens primarily prey on dolphins, small cetaceans, seabirds, rays, fish and sea turtles, as well as other sharks

Flathead shark (Hexanchus griseus) – Lives mainly in deep waters. Its dimensions vary from 3.5 to 4.8 meters, but it can also reach 6 meters in length. It is almost exclusively carnivorous

Greater hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) – It is found in all tropical marine waters of the world. Famous for its particular T-shaped head, it measures between 4 and 6 meters in length. It feeds on other sharks, bony fishes and rays, which it often crushes with its head before eating them

White shark (Carcharodon carcharias) – Among the best known and “famous” in the world, it prefers to live in temperate and tropical coastal regions but can also be found in colder waters and in the open ocean. Its maximum length is 6 meters and it weighs about 3 tons. Very capable predator, uses different hunting techniques by attacking certain types of whales, seals, sea lions and elephant seals

Big mouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) – Little studied species due to the difficulties of sighting, it is found in the temperate and tropical waters of the major oceans. Measures approximately 5 meters in length. It feeds on crustaceans and shrimps

Lemargo of the Pacific (Somniosus pacificus) – It is widespread in temperate waters. Some specimens can reach 7.5 meters in length but on average the species is about 4 meters long. It feeds on other fish, seals, rays, octopuses, squid, crabs and carrion

Mako shark – It is found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans and prefers temperate and tropical waters. The average length varies from 3 to 3.8 meters. It is capable of breaching, i.e. jumping out of the water, even well beyond the length of its body. It feeds mainly on blue fish but also on cephalopods and marine mammals

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