A biologist highlights the seven deadliest sharks in the world

The International Shark Attack File is the premier data source for those interested in understanding the numbers behind shark attacks. It is the only scientifically documented, comprehensive database of known shark attacks, dating back to the 16th century.

However, like any data set, it is not perfect. Many shark attacks go unreported and therefore do not end up on the list. Also, sharks that have bitten humans are notoriously difficult to identify. Often, less common shark species are mistaken for more common species after a bite.

Still, it’s better to have some data than no data when answering questions like which shark species 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 fatalities)

The white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), also known as the great white shark, is by far the deadliest shark species in the world. With lengths of more than 6 meters and weights of several thousand pounds, they possess enormous strength. Their sharp, serrated teeth and powerful jaws can deliver a bite force of up to 4,000 pounds per square inch, allowing them to take down 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 acute senses, including keen eyesight, a strong sense of smell and sensitive electroreceptors, they can efficiently locate and ambush prey. Their varied diet and daring curiosity underline their status as apex predators, making encounters with these majestic creatures both awe-inspiring and dangerous.

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

Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are known for their lethal efficiency as predators. Their robust build, averaging about 3 to 4 meters in length, gives them considerable strength and agility in the water. Equipped with a series of serrated teeth designed to cut through flesh and bone, they can inflict devastating wounds on their prey. Tiger sharks have voracious appetites and a wide diet that includes fish, seals, turtles, seabirds and even other sharks. Furthermore, their keen sense of smell and keen vision allow them to locate prey from great distances. Tiger sharks are known for their scavenging tendencies. These traits, combined with their territorial behavior, make encounters with tiger sharks potentially dangerous, giving them their fearsome reputation as one of the ocean’s most dangerous predators.

3. Bull Shark (119 known attacks, 26 fatalities)

Bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are notorious for their reputation as deadly predators, largely due to their adaptability and aggression. They thrive in both salt and freshwater environments and are known to inhabit rivers, estuaries and coastal areas, bringing them into regular contact with humans. Bull sharks have a sturdy, muscular build and powerful jaws, armed with rows of sharp teeth, which can deliver devastating bites. They are opportunistic feeders that prey on a wide variety of marine life, including fish, dolphins and even other sharks. Their territorial nature and tendency to venture into shallow waters where people swim and surf increase the likelihood of encounters, which increases the perceived danger. In addition, 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 fatalities)

Blue sharks (Prionace glaucaAlthough they are not generally considered as deadly to humans as some other species, they are formidable predators in their own right. Their sleek, hydrodynamic bodies and long, slender jaws equipped with rows of razor-sharp teeth make them efficient hunters. With speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, blue sharks are fast and agile, allowing them to chase and catch fast-moving prey such as squid, fish and small sharks. Although they feed primarily on smaller marine animals, their size, strength and predatory instincts mean that encounters with humans can still be fatal. However, blue sharks are generally shy and prefer to avoid confrontation, making attacks on humans rare. Nevertheless, their presence in open waters around the world and their ability to adapt to different environmental conditions reinforce their place as top predators in marine ecosystems.

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

Oceanic whitetip 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. They prefer an open ocean environment and are often found in deep waters far from shore. Oceanic whitetips are opportunistic hunters, foraging for food and preying on a variety of marine life including fish, squid and even larger animals such as turtles and small whales. Their wide, rounded jaws are lined with sharp, triangular teeth, allowing them to efficiently grab and tear apart their prey. Despite their relatively modest size, typically about 6 to 10 feet in length, their bold stance and powerful bite make encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks dangerous, especially in situations where they mistake humans for prey or when competing for food.

6. Bronze whale shark (16 known attacks, 1 fatality)

Bronze whale sharks (Carcharhinus brachyurus), also known as copper sharks, are formidable predators, mainly due to their size, strength and aggressive hunting tactics. These sharks can grow from 10 to 12 feet in size and possess powerful bodies built for fast swimming. With a broad diet that includes fish, squid, rays and sometimes seals, bronze whalers are apex predators in the waters they live in. Equipped with rows of sharp, serrated teeth, they can inflict serious injuries with their powerful bites. Although attacks on humans are rare, their territorial behavior and potential to mistake swimmers or surfers for prey can lead to dangerous encounters. Furthermore, their presence in coastal waters, often near popular beach destinations, underlines the importance of understanding and respecting their role in the marine environment.

7. Shortfin mako shark (10 known attacks, 1 fatality)

Mako sharks (shortfin mako sharks)Isurus oxyrinchus) are considered deadly predators due to their remarkable speed, agility and formidable hunting techniques. They are the fastest sharks in the ocean and can swim at speeds of more than 60 kilometers per hour, allowing them to quickly chase and catch prey. With streamlined bodies and powerful muscles, shortfin makkos are highly efficient hunters, preying on a variety of fast-moving fish and cephalopods such as tuna and squid. Equipped with sharp, serrated teeth and a powerful bite, they can inflict serious injuries with their lightning-fast attacks. Although attacks on humans are rare, encounters with mako sharks can be dangerous due to their size, strength and predatory instincts.