Shark species in the Mediterranean – dangerous for holidaymakers when swimming?

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Holidaymakers can often hardly imagine this: many shark species live in the Mediterranean. From great white sharks to blue sharks, there are various predatory fish found in the waters of popular holiday destinations between Gibraltar and Israel, Mallorca and Cyprus, Tunisia, Sicily and the Adriatic. Which predatory fish live in the Mediterranean? Are sharks in the Mediterranean a danger to humans? And which animals are really dangerous in the Mediterranean? We provide an overview of the most important facts - so that your next beach holiday in southern Europe can take place without fear of sharks.

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At the end of June 2018, a great white shark was spotted off Mallorca. A sensation, because the predatory fish are incredibly rare in the Mediterranean. Do you know the feeling when you're on a beach vacation and you're swimming in the clear water of a bay in deeper water - and you think: What's right under my feet?

Most people should be aware that they are not in danger when swimming. But an uneasy feeling remains. There are numerous animals in the Mediterranean, such as sharks, barracudas and jellyfish, which have, at least in isolated cases, attacked people. So can sharks in the Mediterranean become a danger? And if not: Which animals in the Mediterranean are really dangerous? 

Video – Great white shark spotted off Mallorca

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A great white shark was spotted in a nature reserve off Mallorca. The predatory fish are certainly found in the Mediterranean.

Video – Shark on the Mediterranean beach

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A Mediterranean beach has been closed after a small shark was spotted there. It was probably a blue shark.

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From Mallorca to Cyprus - Which shark species can be found in the water?

How awesome would it be to encounter a tiger shark while diving in the Mediterranean Sea? The likelihood is against 0 - but the animals are said to have migrated from warmer climes into the Mediterranean. Photo: Unsplash
How awesome would it be to encounter a tiger shark while diving in the Mediterranean Sea? The likelihood, however, is close to zero - but the animals are said to have migrated from warmer climes into the Mediterranean. Photo: Unsplash

1. Sevengill Shark

The sevengill shark is a fascinating resident of the Mediterranean that is different from many other shark species. It is one of the oldest sharks in the world and has changed little for millions of years. Its name comes from the seven gill openings on each side of its head, which give it high adaptability to different water temperatures and oxygen levels.

Its body is slim and streamlined, its skin smooth and without scales. Its color varies from light gray to dark brown, depending on the habitat and time of day. It has a round mouth with many small teeth that it uses to tear its prey. It feeds mainly on fish, crustaceans and molluscs, which it hunts near the seabed.

2. Sixgill Shark

The sixgill shark is a fascinating and original shark species that occurs in all oceans around the world. It is one of the largest sharks ever and can reach a length of up to six meters. Its name comes from the six gill slits on each side of its head, which distinguish it from all other living sharks. Its color varies from light gray to dark brown, depending on habitat and depth. He has large, greenish eyes that help him hunt in the dark.

3. Dog Shark

Another interesting species of shark native to the Mediterranean Sea is the dogfish. This shark is distinguished by its gray or brown color and distinctive spine structure on its back, from which it takes its name. The dogfish prefers deep and dark waters where it hunts for fish, crustaceans and molluscs. It can reach a length of up to 1,5 meters and has a slender and elongated body. The top dog shark is usually harmless to humans unless provoked or threatened. It is a fascinating and mysterious species of shark that still needs a lot of research.

4. Smooth Angel Shark

One of the most fascinating and at the same time most threatened shark species in the Mediterranean is the smooth angel shark. This shark is characterized by its flat, wide body that adapts perfectly to the sandy seabed. Its head is flattened and has a distinctive dark stripe that runs from the eyes to the gills. The smooth angel shark can grow up to 1,2 meters in length and is grey-brown to olive-green in colour. It feeds mainly on small fish, crustaceans and molluscs, which it crushes with its powerful jaws.

The smooth angel shark is a viviparous shark, meaning it gives birth to live pups that it feeds a special liquid to in the womb. This shark species is very shy and avoids contact with humans. Unfortunately, it is severely threatened due to overfishing, habitat loss and marine pollution. The smooth angel shark is a true treasure of the Mediterranean that needs to be protected.

5. Dogfish

Cat sharks are among the most fascinating and diverse shark species in the world. They can be found in almost all seas, but mostly in temperate and tropical waters. With their slender shape, gray color and characteristic barbels that give them their name, they are perfectly adapted to their environment. Catsharks can grow up to 1,6 meters in length, but most remain much smaller. They feed mainly on fish, crustaceans and mollusks, which they crush with their sharp teeth.

Catsharks are very agile and fast swimmers that use their keen sense of smell to track down their prey. They are mostly nocturnal and hide in burrows or under rocks during the day. Dog sharks are harmless to humans and are sometimes even kept as pets. However, they are also threatened by overfishing, habitat loss and climate change. Dog sharks are therefore animals worthy of protection and can tell us a lot about the diversity and beauty of marine life.

6. Gray smooth shark

The gray smooth shark is one of the most widespread and adaptable shark species in the Mediterranean. It is characterized by its uniform gray color and its smooth skin without keels. It can reach a length of up to 2 meters, with the females being larger than the males. The gray smooth shark lives mainly in shallow coastal waters where it feeds on fish, crustaceans and molluscs. He is an active swimmer and can also venture into brackish water. It is harmless to humans unless provoked. The gray smooth shark is a fascinating species of shark that reveals a lot about the diversity and ecology of the Mediterranean.

7. Sand Tiger Shark

The sand tiger shark is a fascinating and fearsome species of shark that lives in the depths of the ocean. It belongs to the requiem shark family and is related to the great white shark. Its gray or brown body is covered with dark spots that provide good camouflage. However, its most distinctive feature is its long, curved teeth protruding from its upper jaw. He uses them to grab and hold onto his prey, which consists of fish, crustaceans, and other sharks. The sand tiger shark can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh 300 kilograms.

It is a slow swimmer, usually found near shore or on the continental shelf. However, he is also able to reach great depths and even jump out of the water. The sand tiger shark is not very dangerous to humans unless provoked. It is considered an endangered species, threatened by overfishing, habitat loss and climate change, among other things.

8. Thresher Shark

The common thresher shark is one of the smallest shark species in the world and lives mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers shallow coastal waters with sandy or muddy bottoms where it feeds on fish, crustaceans and molluscs. Its name comes from its long, bushy tail, which it uses as a weapon against its enemies. The thresher shark is gray to brown in color and often has dark spots or stripes on its body.

It can grow up to 1,5 meters long and weigh 10 kilograms. It is characterized by its high speed and agility, with which it pursues and surprises its prey. The thresher shark is harmless to humans unless provoked. It is considered an endangered species as it often ends up as by-catch in fisheries or is hunted for its meat and fins.

9. Basking Shark

The basking shark is one of the most impressive sea creatures in the Mediterranean. It is the second largest shark species in the world after the whale shark and can reach a length of up to 10 meters. Its body is gray or brown in color and covered with small white spots. It has a wide, flat head and a large mouth opening that it uses to filter plankton and small fish.

The basking shark is a peaceful giant that poses no danger to humans. It mostly lives in deeper waters, but sometimes it comes to the surface to sunbathe or look for food. The basking shark is a fascinating animal that still holds many secrets and needs to be protected.

10. Great White Shark

One of the most famous and fascinating inhabitants of the Mediterranean is the great white shark. This powerful predatory fish is gray or blue-gray in color and has a white belly, which gives it its name. It can grow up to 6 meters long and weigh over 2 tons. The great white shark is an excellent swimmer and hunter, capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h and jumping out of the water.

It feeds primarily on fish, seals, sea turtles and occasionally other sharks. The great white shark is an endangered and protected species. It is considered potentially dangerous to humans, but attacks are very rare and usually due to confusion or curiosity. The great white shark is a fascinating animal that deserves respect and admiration.

11. Shortfin Maco

One of the most fascinating and at the same time most feared species of sharks native to the Mediterranean Sea is the shortfin mako. This elegant predator is distinguished by its bluish-silver coloration, which gives it perfect camouflage in the deep waters. The shortfin mako can reach a length of up to 3,5 meters, making it one of the largest sharks in the Mediterranean. But what really sets him apart is his incredible speed and hunting skills. The shortfin mako can reach speeds of over 60 km/h and is capable of high leaps out of the water.

It feeds primarily on fish such as tuna, swordfish or mackerel, but also on other sharks and sea turtles. The short-finned mako is a fearless hunter who is not afraid to take on larger or more defensive prey. It is considered one of the most intelligent sharks and is able to adapt to different situations.

12. Porbeagle Shark

The porbeagle shark is a fascinating species of shark native to the Mediterranean. Its name comes from its preference for herring and other small fish, which it hunts with its sharp teeth. Its body is slim and streamlined, with gray or brown upperparts and lighter underparts. It can grow up to 2,5 meters long and weighs around 100 kilograms.

The porbeagle shark lives primarily in deep waters between 200 and 1000 meters deep, where it stays during the day. At night it rises closer to the surface to look for food. He is a solitary animal who rarely interacts with others of his own kind. The porbeagle shark is harmless to humans because they stay away from them. However, it is threatened by overfishing and habitat loss and is considered an endangered species.

13. Bronze Shark

The bronze shark is a species of shark that lives primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It prefers shallow waters less than 100 meters deep and is often found near coral reefs, estuaries or mangroves. The bronze shark has a greyish-brown coloration that helps it blend in with its surroundings. It has a slender body with a pointed head and two dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is larger and triangular, the second is smaller and rounded. The bronze shark can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh 200 kilograms.

The bronze shark is an active hunter, feeding primarily on fish, crustaceans, and squid. It hunts mostly at dusk or at night when its prey is less alert. The bronze shark is not an aggressive shark, but it can defend itself if it feels threatened. He has several rows of sharp teeth, which he regularly renews. The bronze shark is also a social shark, often swimming in groups of up to 20 individuals. It communicates with its peers through body language and electrical signals.

14. Great Blacktip Shark

The great blacktip shark is one of the shark species that likes to stay in shallow waters and near coasts. It is found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, where it feeds on fish, crustaceans and squid. Its body is gray or brown with a white belly and dark tips on its fins. It can grow up to 2,5 meters long and weigh 40 kilograms.

The great blacktip shark is a fast and agile swimmer, sometimes jumping out of the water and spinning in the air. It is not very dangerous to humans, but can react aggressively if provoked or jealous of food. It is an important species for ecological balance and fishing in its habitat.

15. Silky Shark

The silky shark is one of the rare and mysterious inhabitants of the Mediterranean deep sea. It is named for its silky, shiny coat, which appears gray or brown depending on the light. The silky shark has a slender body with a pointed head and two dorsal fins. It feeds mainly on fish, squid, and crustaceans, which it grabs with its sharp teeth.

The silky shark is a solitary animal that only meets other members of its species to mate. It can grow up to 2 meters long and lives at depths of 200 to 1000 meters. The silky shark is harmless to humans, but is also very shy and difficult to observe. It is considered endangered because it is threatened by overfishing and habitat loss.

16. Lesser Blacktip Shark

The lesser blacktip shark is a species commonly found in shallow waters and near shore. It is gray or brown in color and grows to a maximum of 1,5 meters in length.

17. Oceanic Whitetip Shark

The oceanic whitetip shark is a fascinating and mysterious species of shark that lives in the depths of the ocean. It is distinguished by its gray or brown body coloration and white-tipped fins, which give it its name. It can grow up to 2,5 meters long and weighs an average of 40 kilograms. It feeds primarily on fish, squid, and crustaceans, which it grabs with its sharp teeth. He is a very fast and agile swimmer who can cover long distances.

It is considered one of the most aggressive sharks and often attacks other sharks or larger prey. He is also responsible for some attacks on humans, especially when he smells blood. However, it does not specifically target humans and usually avoids areas near the coast. It is an endangered species suffering from the influence of overfishing, bycatch and climate change.

18. Blacktip Reef Shark

The small blacktip shark is one of the shark species that lives mainly in shallow waters and near coasts. It can be identified by its gray or brown body and the black tips on its fins. Although it only grows to about 1,5 meters long, it is a skilled hunter, feeding on fish, crustaceans and squid. It lives in tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and often forms large groups with other sharks of its kind. The small blacktip shark is generally harmless to humans, but can react aggressively if provoked or jealous of food.

19. Sandbank shark

The sandbar shark is one of the most widespread and adaptable shark species in the world. It lives in tropical and temperate seas, both in open water and near the coast. It prefers shallow sandbars where it searches for fish, crustaceans and other prey. The sandbar shark is gray or brown in color, with a white belly and dark spots on the fins. It has a streamlined body, a pointed head, and a long caudal fin.

It can grow up to 2,5 meters long and weigh 90 kilograms. The sandbar shark is not dangerous to humans unless provoked. However, it is threatened with extinction because it is often caught as bycatch in fisheries.

20. Tiger Shark

The tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is an impressive and versatile shark species found in all tropical and temperate seas around the world. It is characterized by its distinctive striped pattern, which gives it its name and provides it with excellent camouflage in murky waters. The tiger shark can grow up to 7,5 meters long and weigh over 3000 kilograms, with females being larger and heavier than males.

It has a wide, flat snout, large spray holes, and powerful jaws with serrated teeth that allow it to eat almost anything that comes its way. The tiger shark is an opportunistic predator that feeds on fish, turtles, birds, seals, dolphins and even other sharks.

21. Blue Shark

The blue shark is one of the most common and widespread shark species in the world. It can be recognized by its slender body, long snout, and large eyes. Its top shimmers in various shades of blue, while its underside is white. It can grow up to 3,5 meters long and weigh 200 kilograms. The blue shark is a pelagic hunter, meaning it lives in the open ocean and feeds primarily on fish, squid, and crustaceans. It is highly adaptable and can be found in tropical, subtropical and temperate waters. It often migrates over long distances and can dive up to 350 meters deep.

22. Scalloped Hammerhead

The scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) is a fascinating and endangered shark species characterized by its distinctive hammerhead. This head has an arcuate leading edge with a notch in the middle and a concave trailing edge. The eyes and nostrils are located at the ends of the head, which can make up up to 30 percent of the shark's total length.

The scalloped hammerhead shark can be over four meters long and weigh 150 kilograms, making it one of the largest hammerhead sharks. It lives in tropical, subtropical and temperate marine areas around the world, especially near coasts and on the continental shelf. It prefers deeper waters, but can also be found in shallow bays and lagoons.

Hello, I'm Sascha Tobias Tegtmeyer from Hamburg - and a real beach child with heart and soul! Sea fan, travel lover and always up for an adventure. On my travel blog Just-Wanderlust.com and the social media channels of Strandkind Travels, I combine my love of traveling and nature with a passion for water sports such as stand-up paddling, diving and surfing. I am a journalist, author and blogger - and I am naturally curious when I get to know new travel destinations and then write about them in detail. As a technology fan, when I'm traveling with my family or alone, I'm always happy to bring a few travel gadgets with me for testing purposes. My favorite travel countries, which I also prefer to write about in my travel blog: USA, Thailand and Maldives.
About the author

I'm just a curious beach kid in the world

Hello, I am Sascha Tobias Tegtmeyer from Hamburg – and a real beach child with heart and soul! Sea fan, travel lover and always up for an adventure. On my travel blog Just-Wanderlust.com and the social media channels of Strandkind Travels, I combine my love of traveling and nature with a passion for water sports such as stand-up paddling, diving and surfing. I am a journalist, author and blogger - and I am naturally curious when I get to know new travel destinations and then write about them in detail. As a technology fan, when I'm traveling with my family or alone, I'm always happy to bring a few travel gadgets with me for testing purposes. My favorite travel countries, which I also prefer to write about in my travel blog: USA, Thailand and Maldives.

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How dangerous are Mediterranean sharks really?

Holidaymakers in particular have a lot of free time and can let their imagination run wild on the beach. But let's make it short: The risk of being attacked by a shark while swimming in an idyllic bay on a beach holiday in Mallorca is probably pretty much zero. Of course, something can always happen in the water, and an encounter with a shark cannot be completely ruled out. Especially since a sick blue shark got lost on several beaches on the holiday island in Mallorca in 2017.

Even silk sharks can occur in the Mediterranean. Photo: Pixabay
Even silk sharks can occur in the Mediterranean. Photo: Pixabay

However, if you take a look at the International Shark Attack Index (ISAF), you can immediately breathe a sigh of relief. Since 1847, i.e. in the past 200 years, only 53 attacks by predatory fish have been reported across Europe. And only a fraction of them were fatal to humans. Most attacks took place in Greece (15), 13 incidents occurred in Italy and six attacks in Spain. The other Mediterranean countries Malta, France and Croatia have each reported five shark attacks. There was an attack on Cyprus.

So again: With millions of bathers who spend their summer vacation in the Mediterranean every year and go swimming, the chance of being attacked by a shark is extremely small. But there are really dangerous animals in the Mediterranean that you have to be careful of when swimming.

While diving in Mallorca one can encounter barracudas and many other marine animals. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
While diving in Mallorca one can encounter barracudas and many other marine animals. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

Which animals in the Mediterranean are really dangerous?

Although sharks are often considered dangerous sea creatures, they pose little threat to humans in the Mediterranean. The chance of being attacked by a shark while swimming in an idyllic bay in Sardinia is less than an accident on the way to the airport. Nevertheless, there are some dangerous animals in the Mediterranean Sea that can cause serious injuries with their poison. In this section, we take a closer look at these sea creatures, whose danger potential is often underestimated.

1. Portuguese galley (Physalia physalis)

One of the most poisonous jellyfish in the world, the Portuguese galley has tentacles that can reach an impressive length of up to 50 meters. A touch of their tentacles feels like a whiplash and can cause pain for up to an hour.

In addition, the venom of this jellyfish can cause shock reactions and, in the worst cases, even cardiac arrest. Dead specimens also continue to pose a danger. In the summer of 2019, the Portuguese jellyfish was spotted off Mallorca, and Portugal even issued a warning for the entire coast.

2. Petrale (Trachinus draco)

Despite their humble name, weevers are anything but harmless. These fish like to burrow into the sandy seabed and wait for prey there. If a swimmer accidentally steps on one of these fish, the spines can cause not only excruciating pain, but symptoms like palpitations, vomiting, and respiratory paralysis.

3. Sea urchins (Echinoidea)

Among the dangerous animals in the Mediterranean, sea urchins are the most harmless. Nonetheless, anyone who has stepped on a sea urchin can attest that the spines of these animals are very painful. The sores they cause can be particularly uncomfortable in salt water, and it's wise to see a doctor right away to minimize the risk of infection.

Given this information, it is clear that sharks are far down the list of dangerous marine animals in the Mediterranean. Rather, it is other animals such as the Portuguese galley, loach and sea urchin that pose a greater threat to humans. With that in mind, it's important to keep in mind that there are far more dangerous threats in the Mediterranean than sharks - including drunk party-goers on notoriously party beaches.

Jellyfish carcasses on the beach: the Portuguese Galley is the most dangerous animal in the Mediterranean. Photo: Pixabay
Jellyfish carcasses on the beach: the Portuguese Galley is the most dangerous animal in the Mediterranean. Photo: Pixabay

Sharks critically endangered in the Mediterranean

The situation of sharks in the Mediterranean is alarming. According to a study by the nature conservation organization WWF, more than half of the Shark species in the Mediterranean threatened with extinction. That's 53 percent -- a significantly higher proportion than in other oceans, where the average is 17 percent. The main reason for this menacing development is overfishing. Many sharks are caught in fishing nets as unwanted by-catch or are specifically hunted for their fins or meat.

If you enjoy diving or snorkeling, you can make an important contribution to protecting sharks in the Mediterranean. A simple and effective measure is not to eat fish that may contain sharks as by-catch. This is especially true for fish soups, fishmeal or fish fingers. In addition, you should only choose diving or snorkeling companies that are committed to protecting sharks. These companies should ensure that the sharks are not artificially fed or lured in order to provide tourists with a spectacular experience.

As a tourist, you can also get involved in protecting marine ecosystems by taking part in campaigns by environmental organizations or by taking the initiative yourself. For example, you can pick up trash on beaches and waterways to reduce pollution. Avoiding plastic products also helps protect the oceans and their inhabitants. Ultimately, it is up to all of us to protect the sharks in the Mediterranean and maintain their populations. This is the only way we can ensure that future generations can experience and appreciate these fascinating animals in their natural environment.

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Sharks in the Mediterranean are not a threat - they are critically endangered

My conclusion

Basically, you don't need to worry about sharks in the Mediterranean. The fascinating predatory fish are rare, shy and avoid people wherever possible. The blue shark, which got lost in bathing bays off Mallorca, was a sick animal and an exception. The great white shark spotted off the holiday island was spotted in deep water far out from the coast. The likelihood of him getting lost on a beach is extremely small. However, the sighting of a mako shark off Croatia, which came unusually close to the coast and was seen there for several days, is not quite as dangerous. Mako sharks are not particularly afraid of people. 

We have already experienced adventures with the fascinating predatory fish all over the world. We have already been diving with sharks in the Maldives and seen sharks in Thailand. Sharks in the Red Sea are always exciting to watch when you come across them. However, to spot a shark while diving or snorkeling these days, you have to put in a lot of effort. If you encounter a shark while diving or snorkeling, it's more of a reason to be happy - because most people don't have such an extraordinary encounter every day in their lives. 

Diving with sharks is simply breathtaking and you should try it while there are still sharks on our planet. Because the facts are frightening - humans are currently exterminating sharks. The main reason is the demand for shark fins in China, but the animals also often end up in fishing nets as bycatch. The number of predatory fish worthy of protection is decimated by hundreds of millions every year - you could also call it mass murder - and as a result, many shark species are getting closer and closer to the brink of extinction.

Have you ever seen a shark in the Mediterranean? Are you worried about encountering a shark while swimming and bathing on your Mediterranean vacation? Share your experiences in the comments.

2 Comments

  1. I took pictures of a dead shark on the beach in ca'savio Italy and would like to know what kind of shark it was ... how can I find out ... lg

    Reply
  2. I was up last year Majorca stung by a fire jellyfish. They're not that dangerous, but they hurt like hell.

    Reply

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