As Shark Week 2021 approaches (July 11), we examine two extremes: the biggest and smallest sharks in the world.
Whale sharks are the largest species of shark on the planet, averaging about 12 meters (~39 feet) and maxing out at nearly 19 meters (~60 feet) in length. Despite their enormous size, whale sharks are known to be gentle giants. It typically filter feeds: swimming with its mouth open and allowing plankton, algae, and other small organisms to be caught in its internal gill slits. The whale shark poses no threat to people because of this.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the dwarf lantern shark. This is the smallest known species of shark— about the size of a human hand! Little is known about them since these sharks live in the twilight zone, reached by almost no light. However, these sharks produce their own light source in the form of bioluminescence. Dwarf lantern sharks have photophores on their bellies and fins that make them glow, helping them attract small prey.
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