Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Amin Tawar
Basking Shark Size
Large, sluggish-moving basking sharks can be found worldwide in temperate and subtropical waters. Their long, slender bodies and broad, triangular fins serve as identifying features. The ability of basking sharks to filter-feed on plankton is well known. To do this, they swim with their mouths open while filtering water through their gills. They are frequently found “basking” in the sunlight close to the water’s surface.
In terms of their size, Basking sharks are the second-largest fish in the world, after the whale shark. They can grow to be up to 45 feet (15.2 m) long and can weigh up to 7 tons. However, the average size of a basking shark is much smaller, with most individuals growing to be around 22-29 feet (6.7-8.8 m) for average adults and 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m) for the young ones. They are extremely long and weigh around 3.9 metric tons (4.3 tons).
Despite their massive size, basking sharks are generally considered to be harmless to humans and are not known to attack people.
| Basking Shark | Weight | Length |
| Average size | 3.9 metric tons (4.3 tons) | 22-29 feet (6.7-8.8 m) |
| Maximum size | 10,000 pounds (4.5 metric tons) | 45 feet (15.2 m) |
Blacktip Reef Shark Size
Did you know that the Blacktip reef sharks are known for their agile swimming style and are often seen “surfing” the waves in shallow water near the shore?
Blacktip reef sharks are typically found in shallow coral reefs and lagoons, where they prey on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Additionally, they are characterized by their slender bodies and distinctive blacktips on fins, which give them their name.
Alkin about its overall size, Blacktip reef sharks are medium-sized sharks that typically grow to be between 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) long and weigh around 50-70 pounds (23-32 kilograms). However, they can grow up to 7-8 feet (2.1-2.5 meters) long and weigh up to 150 pounds (68 kilograms).
| Blacktip Reef Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) | 50-70 pounds (23-32 kilograms) |
| Maximum size | 6-7 feet (1.8-2.1meters) | 150 pounds (68 kilograms) |
Blue Shark Size
Moving on to another medium-sized shark species, let’s talk about the amazing Blue shark. Blue sharks are known for their distinctive blue-gray coloration and long, slender bodies. They are found in a variety of habitats, including offshore waters, continental shelves, and even in the open ocean.
Again, talking about their size and shape, Blue sharks are medium-sized sharks found in temperate and tropical waters around the world. They are typically between 1.8 to 3.3 meters (6-10.8 feet) long and weigh around 120-400 lb (54-181 kg) on average.
However, Some of these Blue sharks can grow much bigger and heavier, up to 14-16 feet (4-5 meters) long and weigh up to 500 pounds (227 kgs).
| Blue Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 1.8 to 3.3 meters (6-10.8 feet) | 120-400 lb (54-181 kg) |
| Maximum size | 14-16 feet (4-5 meters) | 500 pounds (227 kgs) |
Bull Shark Size
Unlike the medium-sized shark species, such as the Blacktip reef shark the Blue shark discussed earlier, the Bull shark is much larger and heavier. Additionally, Bull sharks are known for their muscular bodies and triangular fins.
They are found in a variety of habitats, including shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers. Bull sharks are aggressive predators and are known to attack and kill humans, making them one of the most dangerous sharks to humans.
In short, Bull sharks are large, heavy-bodied sharks that are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They weigh about 200 to 300 pounds (91-136 kilograms) and are typically 7 to 11 feet (2.1 to 3.4 meters) long.
On the other hand, they can develop to be 12 to 14 feet (3.7 to 4.3 meters) long and 500 pounds (227 kilograms) heavy at max. Also, as their name suggests, they are a very massive species of sharks.
| Blacktip Reef Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 7 to 11 feet (2.1 to 3.4 meters) | 200 to 300 pounds (91-136 kilograms) |
| Maximum size | 12 to 14 feet (3.7 to 4.3 meters) | 500 pounds (227 kgs) |
Galapagos Shark Size
How can you actually tell a Galapagos shark apart from the other similar looking sharks, given that it has a typical fusiform “reef shark” shape and is very difficult to distinguish from the dusky shark and the gray reef shark?
One of the most common ways is to compare their size, but for that first, you need to know how large or small the Galapagos Shark is.
The Galapagos reef shark is a species of shark that is found in the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean about 1000 kilometers (620 miles) west of Ecuador. This species is relatively small, and it has a slender, streamlined body with a gray to brown coloration on the back and lighter coloring on the underside.
To be more specific, the Galapagos reef shark typically reaches a maximum length of about 3.3 m (11 ft) to 3.7 m (12 ft) and a maximum weight of around 195 kg (430 lb) for a 3.0 m (9.8 ft) long female.
| Galapagos Shark | Length | Weight |
| Maximum size | 3.3 m (11 ft) to 3.7 m (12 ft) | 195 kg (430 lb) |
Dwarf Lanternfish Size
As their name suggests, Dwarf lanternfish (also known as myctophids) are a group of small, deep-sea fish that are found in all the world’s oceans.
Interestingly, they are also named for the light-producing organs (photophores) that are found on their bodies, which they use to attract prey and communicate with other members of their species.
Dwarf lanternfish are typically small, with most species reaching an average length of about 10-15 centimeters (4-6 inches) and a weight of around 1 to 2 kgs (2.2 to 4.4 pounds).
However, at max, their length is about 16 –17.5 cm (6.3 – 6.9 in), and weigh around 9 kg (2 pounds). Overall, they have slender, streamlined bodies and are typically silver or blue in color.
| Dwarf Lanternfish | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 10-15 centimeters (4-6 inches) | 1 to 2 kgs (2.2 to 4.4 pounds) |
| Maximum size | 16 – 17.5 cm (6.3 – 6.9 in) | 9 kg (2 pounds) |
Goblin Shark Size
The Goblin Sharks are typically found at depths of around 330 to 990 feet (100 to 300 meters), which makes them difficult to study and measure accurately.
As a result, the size range of goblin sharks can vary significantly, and it is possible that some individuals may be even larger than what has been recorded.
However, with whatever is known to scientists and researchers, Goblin sharks are a type of deep-sea shark that are known for their elongated, flattened snout and small, protuberant eyes. They have a distinctive appearance, with pinkish-gray skin and a long, slender body.
Goblin sharks are generally considered to be slow-moving, bottom-dwelling predators that feed on small fish and invertebrates.
They have long, slender jaws that are equipped with long, sharp teeth, which they use to catch and hold onto their prey. In terms of their size, these pink sharks can grow 3 and 4 m (9.8 and 13.1 ft) long and weigh up to 330-463 lb (150-210 kg). However, some studies suggest that the maximum length it can reach is 5.4 – 6.2 m (18–20 ft), and weigh at most about 460 pounds.
| Goblin Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 3 and 4 m (9.8 and 13.1 ft) | 330-463 lb (150-210 kg) |
| Maximum size | 5.4 – 6.2 m (18–20 ft) | 460 pounds |
Great Hammerhead Shark Size
Great hammerhead sharks are a species of shark known for their distinctive hammer-shaped head or cephalofoil. Great hammerhead sharks are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
They are typically found in shallow coastal waters, including bays, lagoons, and coral reefs, as well as in deeper offshore waters.
Talking about their appearance, Great hammerhead sharks have a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body that is brown or gray in color, with a pale underside. They have a large, triangular head with a prominent, hammer-shaped snout.
Additionally, they are large sharks, with a maximum size of up to 20 feet (6 meters) long and weighing up to 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms). On average, adults are about 12 to 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 meters) in length and weigh up to 500 pounds (230 kg).
| Great Hammerhead Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 12 to 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 meters) | 500 pounds (230 kg) |
| Maximum size | 20 feet (6 meters) | 1,000 pounds (454 kg) |
Great White Shark Size
Did you know that the Great White sharks are one of the most iconic and well-known species of sharks, and are found in coastal waters in many parts of the world, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Great white sharks are apex predators, meaning that they sit at the top of the food chain and have few natural predators of their own. Other than this, the Great white sharks are large, predatory sharks that are known for their size, power, and distinctive appearance.
That is, the Great white sharks are among the largest species of sharks, with adult females reaching an average length of 15 to 16 feet (4.6 to 4.9 meters) and adult males reaching an average length of 11 to 13 feet (3.4 to 4 meters).
On average, the shark species weigh between 680 and 1,800 kg (1,500 and 4,000 pounds). However, they can be as large as 6 m (20 ft) in length and 2,270 kg (about 5,000 pounds) in weight.
Moreover, they are stocky, muscular animals with a robust, conical snout and a large, triangular dorsal fin. Great white sharks have a distinctive coloring, with a pale gray or white underside and a dark blue or gray back.
| Great White Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 4.5 m (15 ft) | 680 and 1,800 kg (1,500 and 4,000 pounds) |
| Maximum size | 6 m (20 ft) | 2,270 kg (about 5,000 pounds) |
Lemon Shark Size
How interesting is their name – lemon shark! They are named for their yellowish-brown coloration, which gives them a “lemon-like” appearance.
These Lemon sharks are a species of shark that are found in shallow, tropical, and subtropical waters around the world, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are named for their yellowish-brown coloration, which gives them a “lemon-like” appearance.
In terms of their size, Lemon sharks are medium-sized sharks, with adults reaching an average length of around 2.4 to 3.1 m (7.9 to 10.2 ft) and weighing up to 190-400 lb (86-181 kg).
However, the size of lemon sharks can vary significantly, and some individuals may be larger or smaller than the average. The maximum size of lemon sharks is not well-known, as they are difficult to study and measure accurately due to their elusive nature.
| Lemon Shark Size | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 2.4 to 3.1 m (7.9 to 10.2 ft) | 190-400 lb (86-181 kg) |
Mako Shark Size
Unlike other sharks that are slow moving inside the ocean, it is known for its speed, agility, and predatory behavior, and is considered one of the most efficient predators in the ocean. Additionally, the mako shark is a species of mackerel shark that is found in temperate and tropical waters around the world.
Furthermore, in terms of their size, Mako sharks are known for their fast growth rate, with young sharks growing up to 2.5 feet (0.75 meters) in length per year.
The mako shark is a large predatory fish that can grow to impressive sizes. Adult mako sharks typically range in size from 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters) in length and can weigh anywhere from 200 to 1,300 pounds (90 to 590 kilograms).
The maximum recorded length for a mako shark is 14.6 feet (4.5 meters), and the maximum recorded weight is 1,300 pounds (590 kilograms). However, it is possible that larger individuals may exist.
| Mako Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters) | 200 to 1,300 pounds (90 to 590 kilograms) |
| Maximum size | 14.6 feet (4.5 meters) | 1,300 pounds (590 kilograms) |
Megamouth Shark Size
The megamouth shark is a species of deepwater shark that is known for its large size and distinctive mouth, which is lined with over 50 rows of small, inward-pointing teeth. It is one of the least known and most rarely seen species of shark and was only discovered in 1976 when a specimen washed ashore in Hawaii.
Megamouth sharks can grow to be quite large, with a maximum recorded length of 18 feet (5.5 meters) and a maximum weight of around 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms).
However, most individuals are smaller, with an average length of around 12 to 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 meters) and a weight of around 1,100 to 1,500 pounds (500 to 680 kilograms).
| Megamouth Shark | Length |
| Average size | 12 to 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 meters) |
| Maximum size | 18 feet (5.5 meters) |
Nurse Shark Size
Like me, you would also be surely wondering why this shark is named like this. So, they are named for their habit of “nursing” or resting motionless on the bottom of the ocean, often in groups. Additionally, Nurse sharks are bottom-dwelling sharks, meaning they spend most of their time near the sea floor.
Talking specifically about their appearance and size, Nurse sharks have a distinctive appearance, with a broad, flat head and a rounded snout.
They have a tan or brown coloration with darker markings on their back and sides. On average, Nurse sharks can grow up to 7 feet to under 9 feet (2.2 to 2.7 meters) in length and weigh up to 200 to 267 pounds (90 to 120 kilograms). The maximum length of these sharks is about 3.08 m (10 ft 1+1⁄2 in) and weigh about 330 kg (730 lb).
| Nurse Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 7 feet to under 9 feet (2.2 to 2.7 meters) | 200 to 267 pounds (90 to 120 kilograms) |
| Maximum size | 3.08 m (10 ft 1+1⁄2 in) | 330 kg (730 lb) |
Pacific Angel Shark Size
Moving on, the next shark type is the Pacific Angel Shark, sounds quite dreamy and from the world of fantasy. However, they are named for their flat, wing-like pectoral fins, which give them a somewhat angelic appearance. Also, these Pacific angel sharks are bottom-dwelling sharks that inhabit shallow coastal waters, including estuaries, bays, and inlets.
If we look at their length and weight, Adult Pacific angel sharks can reach lengths of up to 7 feet (2.1 m) and weigh up to 77 pounds (35 kg). However, on average they are generally smaller, with most individuals reaching lengths of 152 centimeters (5 feet) and weighing about 27 kilograms (60 pounds).
| Pacific Angel Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 152 centimeters (5 feet) | 27 kilograms (60 pounds) |
| Maximum size | 7 feet (2.1 m) | 77 pounds (35 kg) |
Short-Finned Mako Shark Size
The short-finned mako shark is a species of shark found in the open waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. It is a member of the mackerel shark family (Lamnidae) and is closely related to the great white shark.
Talking about their specifications, Short-finned mako sharks are known for their streamlined, hydrodynamic bodies and their impressive speed and agility in the water. They are powerful predators that feed on a variety of prey, including tuna, swordfish, and other species of shark.
Furthermore, In terms of size, short-finned mako sharks can grow to be quite large, with some individuals reaching maximum lengths of up to 12 feet (3.8 m) and weighing over 1200 pounds (545 kg).
However, most individuals are smaller, with an average length of around 2.5 to 3.2 m (8.2 to 10.5 ft) and 135–230 kg (298–507 lb) in weight.
| Short-Finned Mako Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 2.5 to 3.2 m (8.2 to 10.5 ft) | 135–230 kg (298–507 lb) |
| Maximum size | 12 feet (3.8 m) | 1200 pounds (545 kg) |
Spiny Dogfish Shark Size
Spiny dogfish sharks are quite interesting and have a distinctive appearance, with a long, pointed snout, small eyes, and a slender, streamlined body.
They are a brown or gray color, with a white belly and small, sharp spines located near the front of each dorsal fin. These spines are used for defense against predators and can be venomous if touched.
As said, it is a small shark, typically growing to a length of 28-39 inches (70–100 cm) and weighing less than 20 pounds (9 kilograms) on average. However, in rare cases, they can be as large as 4 feet and 22 pounds (10 kg).
| Spiny Dogfish Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 28-39 inches (70–100 cm) | 20 pounds (9 kilograms) |
| Maximum size | 4 feet | 22 pounds (10 kg) |
Spined Pygmy Shark Size
The spined pygmy shark is one of the smallest sharks that you would ever see, and as it is a deep-sea shark, it is quite rare to see these species of sharks. As a result most of its specifications such as its size, appearance, etc are not quite accurate and are dependent on multiple theories.
This species is characterized by its small size, typically reaching only about 20 cm (8 inches) in length and weighing up to 18 pounds, and its slender, elongated body.
Additionally, the maximum recorded size for this species, which is among the smallest sharks in the world, is 22 cm (8.7 in) for males and 28 cm (11 in) for females.
Overall, there is not much known about the Spined Pygmy Sharks.
| Spined Pygmy Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 20 cm (8 inches) | 18 pounds |
| Maximum size | 22 cm (8.7 in) to 28 cm (11 in) | Not known |
Thresher Shark Size
The thresher shark is a group of large, pelagic sharks that are known for their distinctive, elongated upper tails, which can be as long as the rest of their body.
There are three species of thresher sharks: the bigeye thresher (Alopias superciliosus), the common thresher (Alopias vulpinus), and the pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus).
In terms of the size of these species, Thresher sharks are generally large sharks, with the bigeye thresher has an average length of up to 11-13 feet (335-400 cm) and average weight of 350 pounds (160 kg). Additionally, the maximum length and weight would be 16 feet (488 cm) and 759.8 pounds (363.8 kg) respectively.
| Thresher Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 11-13 feet (335-400 cm) | 350 pounds (160 kg) |
| Maximum size | 16 feet (488 cm) | 759.8 pounds (363.8 kg) |
Tiger Shark Size
As the common animal tiger species, the tiger shark is a large, predatory shark that is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, including in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
It is also named for the distinctive, tiger-like stripes that are present on the sides of its body when it is young, which fade as the shark grows older.
Tiger sharks are known for their formidable size and powerful jaws. If you want to know their size, then the Tiger sharks can grow to be quite large, with average sharks reaching lengths of up to 325-425 cm (10-14 ft) and weighing about 385-635 kg (850-1400 lbs). Some of the largest shark species have a length even up to 5 m (16 ft 5 in) and weigh about 900 kg (2,000 lb).
| Tiger Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 325-425 cm (10-14 ft) | 385-635 kg (850-1400 lbs) |
| Maximum size | 5 m (16 ft 5 in) | 900 kg (2,000 lb) |
Whitetip Reef Shark Size
The whitetip reef shark is a small to a medium-sized shark that is found in coral reefs and lagoons in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is named for the distinctive white tips on its dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins.
Whitetip reef sharks are generally small sharks, with adults reaching lengths of up to 5.3 feet (1.6 m) and weighing up to 40.3 pounds (18.3 kg).
However, there can be some variation in size depending on the location and age of the individual. For example, sharks in some regions may grow to be larger or smaller than the average size listed above.
| Whitetip Reef Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 5.3 feet (1.6 m) | 40.3 pounds (18.3 kg) |
Whale Shark Size
Last on the list but one of the most well-known and largest species of sharks is the Whale shark. In fact, the whale shark is a species of shark that is the largest fish in the world. It is a slow-moving filter feeder that is found in tropical and warm temperate waters around the world, including in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Additionally, Whale sharks are named for their size, which can reach lengths of up to 8-12 meters (26-40 feet) and weights of up to 21 metric tons (23 short tons). The maximum length that a whale shark can achieve is about 18 meters (59 feet) and weight of up to 60 tons.
| Whale Shark | Length | Weight |
| Average size | 8-12 meters (26-40 feet) | 21 metric tons (23 short tons) |
| Maximum size | 18 meters (59 feet) | 60 tons |
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