Discover Four Amazing Sharks with Superpowers

You’d think that being an apex predator would be enough, but not for some sharks. A few shark species are overachievers, adapting and evolving “superpowers” that make them unique among more than 500 shark species. While the title sounds like something out of a comic book, the abilities of these sharks are far from fiction. Keep reading to learn more about the special skills of these amazing sharks.

Thresher Sharks: A Whip for a Tail

Thresher sharks have tails that can grow to the same length as their bodies. They use this tail like a sword or a whip, flinging it up to 80 miles per hour to stun the fish so the shark can scoop them up at its leisure. They can also use their tails to herd schools of fish like herring and mackerel before trapping them and slapping them with their tails.

A thresher shark begins its strike by quickly swimming toward its prey. Like a car slamming on the brakes, the shark abruptly stops and its head and body pitch forward. The shark flexes the base of its tail and flings the tail over its head in a whip-like motion. Scientists have recently discovered that the vertebrae near the tail are reinforced with mineralized plates as the shark grows. This stiffens the shark’s spine and allows it to rapidly flip its tail, overcoming the resistance of the water.

The Shortfin Mako Shark: Aerodynamically Superior

Shortfin mako sharks are considered the fastest sharks on the planet. They can swim at speeds over 30mph with a top speed of nearly 50mph. The mako shark can also jump more than 20 feet in the air in pursuit of fast-moving prey.

Mako sharks have a streamlined body that reduces water resistance. Their skin is also covered in scales called dermal denticles that cut down on drag. Researchers believe these warm-blooded sharks have greater muscle efficiency due to their higher body temperatures.

Sand Tiger Shark: A Motionless Hunter

Most sharks must swim without stopping. They are constantly on the move for one simple reason — water flowing through their gills is what allows sharks to breathe. The shark draws oxygen into its bloodstream as water passes over its gills.

However, the sand tiger shark has an adaptation that allows it to hunt differently than most sharks. The sand tiger’s superpower is its ability to surface and gulp in air. The shark essentially swallows the air and holds it in its stomach. This allows the shark to regulate its buoyancy and float motionlessly to sneak attack prey.

Salmon Shark: A Predator in Frigid Waters

Some salmon sharks live in the North Pacific off the coast of Alaska. However, these sharks are endothermic, which means they can regulate their body temperatures. Salmon sharks can maintain body temperatures significantly above the surrounding water temperature, sometimes up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on environmental conditions.

Salmon sharks can also retain the heat their muscles and organs generate. Their hearts are designed to deliver enough oxygen regardless of the cold. These adaptations increase the shark’s muscle efficiency and enhance movement while hunting.