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About Sharks
Sharks are formidable hunters with few natural predators when fully grown. Most have a streamlined body, powerful jaws with several rows of sharp teeth, and acute senses, especially smell. They range in size from the whale shark (the largest of all fishes) to squaloid sharks less then 12in (30cm) long. Sharks are most abundant in warm temperate and tropical waters, their habitats ranging from coastal areas to open oceans and deep basins. Some even venture into tropical rivers.
Where do sharks live?
Sharks live in every ocean of the world-from the Arctic to the Antarctic. They are also seen in some rivers and lakes. Worldwide, there are approximately 368 species of sharks and at least 12 of these species occur in the waters of British Columbia.
What do sharks eat?
All sharks are carnivores, but each species of shark hunts for different animals depending on its lifestyle:
• Benthic (bottom-dwelling) sharks forage for animals that live on the ocean floor including sea urchins, clams and crabs.
• Pelagic (open-water) sharks cruise through the ocean, hunting squids, fishes, other sharks, sea birds, and marine mammals.
• The largest pelagic sharks are filter-feeders. These sharks strain small fishes, krill, larvae and other types of plankton out of the water. They eat huge quantities of tiny animals.
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