10 Incredibly Weird Looking Sharks You May Not Know Of

Animals, Lists, Nature, Shocking, Weird

There are over 440 species of sharks in the entire world, and that is only counting what scientists have already found. There may be plenty more that people may not know of, especially down in the depths of the ocean where no one can quite explore as of right now. Some of these sharks that we do know of are already pretty odd looking, like the Hammerhead, but there are plenty more out there that will simply shock you with their appearance. Here are ten odd looking sharks to explore.

Japanese Wobbegong (Orectolobus japonicas)

The Japanese Wobbegong is a ray-like species with flaps of skins, known as barbels, hanging from the mouth. These enable the shark to taste and feel. The Wobbegong is located mostly within the Philippines, and is known as being an efficient hunter.

Megamouth Shark

Discovered in 1976, the Megamouth Shark has rarely been spotted by humankind. It is an extremely rare deep sea shark that gained its name from the giant mouth, which houses 50 rows of small hooked teeth.

The Australian Ghost Shark

The Australian Ghost Shark, otherwise known as the Elephant Shark, is only about 4 feet in length, and is recognized easily because it grows slowly. It can also be recognized by the trunk-like appendage on its snout.

The Goblin Shark

The Goblin Shark is another rare find within the shark world, and may grow up to 13 feet in length. The protruding mouth, which has a jaw that extends out to grab hold of prey, is the biggest notable feature.

The Thresher Shark

Thanks to the massive, unique tail attached to the Thresher Shark, this one is quite a fast swimmer. The tail alone is said to weigh up to 700 pounds, and makes up 33 percent of the shark’s body weight.

Caribbean Roughshark

The Caribbean Roughshark is frightening in appearance, and has unusually large fins on its tiny body. Remaining near the seafloor at the depths of the ocean, the Roughshark isn’t easily spotted by man.

The Cookie Cutter Shark has also been called the cigar shark. An adult can weigh around 10 pounds in total, and grows up to 2 feet in length. It received its name from the cookie cutter marks it leaves on larger prey with its mouth.

The Whorl Shark

The Whorl Shark was a prehistoric species known because of its unique jaw structure. The lower portion of the jaw was arranged in a spiral, with saw-like teeth that ensured it was devastating against its prey.

Pyjama shark

The Pyjama shark is a slow, nocturnal species that has seven dark stripes over its grey body. The sharks drop egg sacs once per year, which attach to marine vegetation and hatch 5 to 6 months later, to breed.

The Frilled Shark

The Frilled Shark is a unique deep sea species that has been known as a lizard shark on occasion. With thousands of pointy hooked teeth and a slender, snake-like body, the Frilled Shark is a sight to behold.