The Pristiophorus cirratus, or longnose saw shark, is identifiable by its tapered, saw-shaped nose. A bottom dweller, the shark is most commonly found in the Eastern Indian Ocean at depths of 100 to 400 feet.
Also known as the common saw shark, this species grows to an average of 3 feet long, with the snout accounting for up to 30 percent of its length. The shark feeds on crustaceans and small fish found along the ocean floor. It uses electro-receptors and whisker-like barbels on the saw appendage to locate prey buried beneath the sand. While the saw shark does use its snout to slash at prey, this species is not a threat to man.Learn More
According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, the great white is the most aggressive shark toward humans. The International Shark Attack File shows that great white sharks were responsible for 403 shark attacks from 1580-2010.Full Answer >
Though sharks are considered apex predators, they are often eaten by humans and are sometimes eaten by killer whales. Shark embryos from different fathers will also eat each other in utero, with the largest embryo of the bunch usually winning out.Full Answer >
The 400 living species of sharks defend themselves in a variety of ways that vary from species to species. Large species, such as great whites, basking sharks and whale sharks derive protection from their size; they are too big to represent potential prey for any species except humans. Other species, such as carpet sharks, rely on their flattened morphology and cryptic coloration to avoid the detection of predators.Full Answer >
Sharks are boneless fish with have an anatomical structure that differs from other marine fish. Sharks have skeletons made of flexible cartilage and have several fins located on their bodies. Most sharks have a pair of dorsal, pelvic and pectoral fins. Anal and caudal fins are located near the rear of the shark. The front of the shark is comprised of the nostrils, snout, eyes, spiracles, gills and mouth.Full Answer >