3 Fascinating Shark Species (That Won’t Hurt You!)

Alistair Economakis
Sep 5, 2018 · 3 min read

The Mediterranean Sea is home to at least 47 unique shark species. While some species claim these waters as their own, others tend to be looked at as ‘vacationers,’ or seasonal visitors. As the media and film worlds play into the sensationalism of shark attacks, encountering one of these creatures ranks pretty high on most people’s fear lists. However, reality suggests that you’re far more likely to be struck by lightning than bitten by a shark. In truth, most shark species are harmless to humans. The likelihood of even spotting a shark while visiting countries, or even islands, along the Mediterranean is virtually nonexistent. The truth is, sharks prefer to keep to themselves. Often thought of as the loners of the ocean, sharks aren’t incredibly social creatures. (Even the baby sharks, known as ‘pups,’ prefer to swim solo!) Most species prefer the cool, dark isolation of the deepest parts of the ocean. So you can rest assured that you’ll be safe when dipping your toes in warm, shallow waters!

Having conducted research in the area so many times, I’ve sought out encounters with nearly every variety of shark in the Mediterranean Sea. As a Marine Biologist, I am absolutely fascinated by marine wildlife. While some people would prefer to never meet a shark in its natural habitat, I actively seek out this divine opportunity! Over the years, I’ve compiled a list of non-threatening shark species that captivate and amaze me.

Here are my 3 favorite (and totally harmless!) shark species who live in the Mediterranean:

  1. Blackmouth Catshark
    Like its name suggests, the Blackmouth is a member of the catshark family. The Blackmouth Catshark is known as a bottom feeder, preferring the delicacies of small fish and crustaceans. They are named for the black interior of their mouths. Small in size, the Blackmouth Catshark hits its maximum at 31 inches, with most remaining closer to 20 inches. They’re known for having slim bodies covered in a marbled pattern of brownish blotches. A fan of the muddy floor of the ocean, your chances of coming across this shark are slim to none. The catshark family is known to be harmless to humans.
  2. Little Sleeper Shark
    Slightly larger than its friend the Blackmouth, the Little Sleeper Shark maxes out at 56 inches in length. When you compare it to something like a Great White Shark, the Little Sleeper is true to its name! A deep sea dweller, spotting this species is incredibly rare. A fast swimmer, Little Sleepers are rarely caught by fishermen. Their bodies are often solid grey in appearance; some Little Sleepers are covered in grey blotches, which appear as one solid color from a distance.
  3. Velvet Belly Lanternshark
    A member of the dogfish family, the Velvet Belly Lanternshark is one of the smallest species of sharks in the sea. At a maximum length of 18 inches, this species is about as threatening as a clownfish! Named for its smooth, black underside, Velvet Belly Lanternsharks have bioluminescent bellies. This comes into play when hiding from predators and prey, as the light-emitting photophores along its underside help to camouflage the Velvet Belly. This species is a far cry from the menacing predators featured in the Jaws films. Your average honey bee is a scarier threat than the Velvet Belly Lanternshark!
Alistair Economakis

Written by

Alistair Economakis is passionate about environmental science and marine biology research especially related to the Greek Seashore http://alistaireconomakis.com

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade