How Well Do Sharks See? The Truth About Their Underwater Vision

Blind as a bat. See like a hawk. Eagle-eyed…Eyes like a shark? As humans, we’ve long been fascinated by the capabilities, or lack thereof, of creatures throughout the animal kingdom. While some wildlife are known for their keen eyesight, sharks are not typically associated with strong vision. Many people often regard sharks as incredible apex predators that rely on speed and power to overwhelm their prey. However, they also possess a unique set of eyes that helps them hunt in challenging environments.  Throughout the following sections, we’ll explore how great a vision sharks actually have, whether they can see in the dark, and the impact of the location of their eyes. 

Do Sharks Have Great Vision?

Unlike some animals that possess incredible eyesight regardless of the condition, a shark’s vision is specifically adapted for their underwater world. In fact, their eyes don’t focus on many details. Instead, they are highly specialized for detecting movement and contrast.

Understanding Shark Eyesight

Humans experience the world in a wide spectrum of colors, but sharks do not have the same luxury. In fact, most are colorblind, seeing only shades of blue and gray. While this may seem like a disadvantage, sharks are actually pretty good at distinguishing contrast, especially between light and dark. The ability to identify contrasts makes these creatures very effective when hunting in dimly lit environments. 

Do Sharks Have Night Vision?

Since sharks are most active during low-light conditions, they use their highly developed vision to navigate and hunt in near-total darkness.

The Role of the Tapetum Lucidum

One of the primary reasons sharks can perform so well in dark environments is their tapetum lucidum. This reflective layer, located behind the retina, is also found in many nocturnal animals, such as cats and owls. Essentially, the tapetum lucidum helps amplify the amount of light that enters the eye. So, when a shark is swimming around in a low-light environment, it’s easier to detect subtle movements in the water. 

What’s Special About Shark Eyes?

Far from being ordinary, sharks’ eyes are finely tuned to help them excel in the ocean’s challenging environment. Their size and shape work together to improve their hunting ability and overall survival. 

Large Eyes for Better Vision

Even though sharks’ eyes are notably large compared to their heads, they offer an advantage by gathering more light in low-visibility environments. The wider field of view sharks gain through this adaptation allows them to detect movement from nearly every direction.

The Pupil’s Unique Shape

Sharks have pupils that vary in shape depending on the species; some have round pupils, while others have vertical slits or crescent-shaped pupils. These unique shapes allow them to adjust their vision when swimming from shallow, bright waters to deeper, darker regions. 

The Impact of Eyes Positioned on the Sides of the Head

Sharks’ eyes are positioned on either side of their heads, which greatly influences their ability to see and interact with their environment. The placement of their eyes gives the animal a nearly panoramic view, allowing them to detect movement from almost every direction. With heightened awareness, they can hunt efficiently and avoid potential predators without needing to turn their heads.

The Wide Field of View

According to the Florida Oceanographic Society, having eyes on either side of their head gives sharks a nearly 360-degree field of view. With this broader perspective, they can detect movement from nearly any direction. The increased line of sight is especially beneficial when tracking prey or avoiding threats. Instead of needing to turn their heads while hunting, they can stay locked on their target at all times. 

How Do Sharks Compensate for Their Blind Spot?

Although sharks have an incredible visual field, they do have two small blind spots: one in front of their snout and another right behind their head. In these areas, sharks cannot see any movements or threats, but that does not mean they are completely blind. These creatures have evolved to compensate for their restricted zones with other keen senses. For example, these animals possess an extraordinary ability to detect electrical signals through a specialized sense known as electroreception. With electroreception, sharks can perceive the faint electrical fields generated by the muscles and nervous systems of other animals. This capability allows these creatures to detect prey, even if it’s in their blind spot or hidden in the environment. By sensing electrical signals from the movements or heartbeat of prey, they are able to “see” in ways that go beyond traditional sight. 

Sharks’ Eyes — Perfect for Their World

While sharks may not have the most precise vision, their specialized eyes are perfectly suited for their role in the ocean. Their large eyes and enhanced low-light vision enable them to spot movement even in the murkiest waters. Although they don’t perceive a full range of colors, these features give them the ability to track and capture prey with remarkable accuracy in their deep-sea habitat.