Sharks belong to the class Chondrichthyes, or cartilaginous fishes. Unlike bony fish, sharks have skeletons made of cartilage—the same flexible material in your nose and ears. They have unique skin covered in tiny tooth-like scales called dermal denticles, which help them swim faster and more efficiently. They have 5, 6, or 7 gill slits on the side of their head. Sharks also have multiple rows of teeth that are constantly replaced, and instead of a swim bladder, they rely on their large, oil-filled livers to stay buoyant. With incredible senses like electroreception to detect prey and a keen sense of smell, sharks are perfectly designed predators of the sea! When people think of a shark, they usually have one image - the great white - a shark with a large dorsal fin protruding from the water, a torpedo-shaped body, and giant teeth. In reality, there are over 500 species of shark, all varying in size and appearance.

Learn more about these amazing animals with the fact pages linked below.