There are over 400 different species of sharks, 100 of which can be found in the waters off the coast of South Africa. All are carnivorous with a superb 'sense of smell' and are extremely sensitive to vibrations and electrical impulses. Contrary to their fearsome image, most sharks are quite harmless.
The majority of the shark species around South Africa are seldom seen, as they live in the very deep waters. The most commonly spotted are the whale shark, the spotted rag-toothed shark, Zambezi or bull shark, hammerhead shark, mako shark, bronze whaler (or copper) shark and the fearsome great white shark.
Whale sharks are actually the world’s largest living fish, growing up to 13m long and up to 13 tonnes in weight and reputedly living up to 100 years. These huge beasts are harmless filter feeders that migrate round warm waters following plankton blooms. Their size makes them highly distinctive, as do the white spots and dashes on their back, fins and tail.
The sleek shortfin mako shark is one of the fastest fishes in the sea, and can sometimes be seen leaping spectacularly from the water. The unmistakable great white shark is a 7m long 1000kg killing machine, feeding on other sharks, turtles, large rays, sales and other fish.
Whale Sharks
This species is found in tropical and warm oceans all round the world and lives a migratory lifestyle. In the months of November –March, Whale Sharks can be seen around the African Indian Ocean islands of Pemba, Zanzibar and Mafia. Mafia Island in particular is a hot spot for great diving with these amazing creatures. They are ‘gentle giants’ and accept divers in close proximity with no aggression. Although their exact numbers are not known, they are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.
