Is a Shark a Mammal? Answers to the Most Googled Questions About Sharks

Love them or hate them, you can’t deny that sharks are some of the most fascinating and

tissue, which is lighter and more flexible than bone. This allows them to swim faster, turn quickly and open their jaws extra wide for a more powerful bite.

Can you swim with sharks?

Absolutely! There are many

. How fast can a shark swim? Mako sharks can reach bursts of 46mph (74kph). Is a shark a carnivore? Strictly yes, but some (like basking sharks) are filter-feeding planktivores. What is the biggest shark in the ocean? A whale shark — the record being 18.8m long (61.7ft). How deep can sharks swim? Scientists have found sharks as deep as 1.8 miles (3km). Are sharks endangered? Sadly, more than a third of shark species are threatened with extinction. What shark am I? Take our shark quiz to find out!

So, now you know the answer to, ‘Is a shark a mammal?’ and many of the other most Googled questions about sharks. Learn more cool shark facts (as well as how to help sharks) by taking the PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Diver course, and find out how to protect their ocean habitat as a PADI Torchbearer.

BECOME A PADI AWARE SHARK CONSERVATION DIVER

Related Reading:

Sharks Should be Respected, Not Feared
Can I Dive with Sharks While Menstruating?
10 Incredible Sharks Every Diver Should See
How to Overcome a Fear of Sharks