How do sharks sleep? How long do they live? Answers to these and more fun shark facts

Everyone knows sharks have a reputation for being intimidating, their bites can be fatal and some can grow to be massively large.

But there’s probably plenty about sharks you don’t know. In fact, there’s still a lot the experts still don’t know.

“People think that scientists know a lot,” said Gavin Naylor, Program Director for the Florida Program for Shark Research at the University of Florida. “We don’t know a damn thing. We probably know more than the general public, but there’s still a lot we’re trying to find out.”

How old are sharks?

Sharks have been around more than 400 million years. There are fossil records belonging to ancestors of modern sharks.

How long can sharks live?

The lifespan of a shark depends on the species and can vary greatly. For example, the smooth dogfish shark lives about 16 years. The porbeagle shark can live as long as 46 years while the Greenland shark is known to live more than 400 years.

Do sharks sleep?

For so long it was believed sharks only slept for a few minutes at a time because it was thought they had to swim constantly to breathe. Now scientists believe sleep patterns vary depending on the shark species. Hammerhead sharks are known to swim in a figure eight while sleeping.

How do sharks hear?

Sharks actually have excellent hearing. Unlike humans, where our ears are on the outside of our heads, sharks’ ears are located inside their heads.

Can you eat shark?

Shark meat actually is safe to eat, and wild-caught blacktip shark is often found in Florida supermarkets. It is known to have high levels of urea and methylamine, but any residual toxins that are not eliminated when the shark meat is cleaned will dissipate while cooked.

What is the biggest shark?

The largest shark is the whale shark, which also is the largest fish in the ocean. It can reach more than 60 feet long.

What is the smallest shark?

The smallest shark title goes to the dwarf lanternshark, which is found in the Caribbean Sea. This little creature measures about 8 inches.

How fast can sharks swim?

The fastest shark on record is the shortfin mako. It’s been clocked swimming speeds up to 43 mph.

Where do sharks live in Florida?

In Florida, the most sharks are known to be in Brevard County and Volusia County, which is north of Brevard and includes Daytona Beach. Although, this summer there have been more than normal shark sittings, and shark bites, off the northern Gulf Coast.

Are there great white sharks in Florida?

Great white sharks are known to spend winters in the warm Florida waters before heading back north for the spring. They are considered the snowbirds of the ocean and tend to stay away from beaches.

Is shark fishing legal in Florida?

Shark fishing in Florida is legal, but there are restrictions. First, you need a permit, which requires passing an online course. That course will teach you which shark species can not be caught.

How much do sharks eat?

Sharks eat way less than humans, usually feeding once every few days. As for what time they eat, that can depend on the species and its location. However, Naylor said changes in the environment – sunrise/sunset, tide changes – can initiate a feeding.

How close do sharks swim to shore?

How close sharks get to the shore also can depend on the species. But in general, they usually stay between 60 and 100 feet from the Florida shoreline.

Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Shark facts: Size, how fast they swim, where they live, how they hear