5 Strongest Sharks in the World

Written by Hannah Ward
Updated: September 15, 2023
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There are around 500 species of sharks in the world today and they vary widely in size and appearance. Sharks are also some of the most powerful predators in the ocean, as well as the most fearsome. They have incredible raw power and a frightening burst of speed as they hunt their prey, crashing their jaws down with mighty strength. But which ones are the strongest sharks in the world? Let’s find out!

Although not the longest shark on this list, bull sharks make up for it with devastating raw power which is why they are a top apex predator.

5. Tiger Shark

tiger shark

Tiger sharks have distinctive vertical stripes on their body.

©iStock.com/Divepic

The first shark on our list is the tiger shark which is considered to be one of the most dangerous species of shark in the world. Tiger sharks are large, powerful predators that typically reach a maximum length of around 18 feet, although some have been known to be longer still. Tiger sharks can also achieve weights of up to 1,400 pounds. They are named for their distinctive vertical stripes which resemble those of a tiger.

Tiger sharks inhabit tropical and subtropical waters around the world, with a tendency to live in areas close to the coast. This is one of the reasons that they are often encountered by humans. Tiger sharks have a bite force of approximately 325 psi, although this is not verified.

They are apex predators and are known to eat virtually anything that they come across, including fish, birds, dolphins, seals, and even whales.

4. Great Hammerhead

Great Hammerhead Shark in the Bahamas

The great hammerhead can reach 18 feet long and has a bite force of 539 psi.

©Brent Barnes/Shutterstock.com

Next, we have the great hammerhead which is the largest species of hammerhead shark. They are usually 12 to 18 feet long. However, the largest females can reach 20 feet and weigh as much as 1,000 pounds. Great hammerheads have a bite force of 539 psi and prey on a wide variety of fish, rays, squid, and crustaceans. Great hammerheads inhabit tropical waters around the world at depths up to 260 feet. They can be found close to the shore, but also around coral reefs and continental shelves. They are a migratory species and move closer to the poles in the summer months, often traveling long distances of several hundred miles.

3. Oceanic Whitetip

Scariest Shark - Ocean Whitetip

Oceanic whitetips are believe to have killed more people than great white sharks.

©iStock.com/NaluPhoto

Although no specific data is available regarding the bite force of oceanic whitetip sharks, most scientists believe that they fall into the same range as other large sharks such as great whites and bull sharks. Oceanic whitetips can reach 13 feet long and have strong, robust bodies. They have a rounded snout and long pectoral fins with white tips on them.

Oceanic whitetips are some of the most ferocious predators in the ocean. They are actually believed to be responsible for more human deaths than any other species of shark. This is because they tend to live in deep, open water and are known to prey on the survivors of shipwrecks and plane crashes. One of the most deadly encounters was when the USS Indianapolis was sunk in 1945 and hundreds of sailors entered the water. The true number of people killed by sharks is impossible to say. However, reports suggest the number could be as high as 150, with the attack being attributed to the oceanic whitetip.

2. Bull Shark

bull shark

Bull sharks have a bite force of 1,350 psi and are one of the most vicious sharks around.

©HakBak/Shutterstock.com

Next, we have the bull shark which fights for the top spot as the strongest shark on the planet with the great white. Bull sharks have a bite force of around 1,350 psi and are one of the most dangerous sharks in the world. They inhabit warm coastal waters, however, they are famous for their ability to survive in freshwater for long periods, even traveling for miles upstream. They are also generally believed to be the species that were responsible for the 1916 Jersey Shore shark attacks which we the inspiration for the Jaws novel and film.

Bull sharks have an average length of 11 feet and a maximum of 13 feet. They have particularly large, robust bodies to accommodate their much larger livers which is one of the reasons that they can tolerate freshwater so well. Although not the longest shark on this list, bull sharks make up for it with devastating raw power which is why they are a top apex predator. Bull sharks prey on a wide variety of fish, marine mammals, and even other sharks. As adults, they have no known predators, although orcas, tiger sharks, and sandbar sharks may prey on juveniles.

1. Great White Shark

Great white sharks have a bite force of around 4,000 psi.

Great white sharks are notorious predators with a massive bite force of around 4,000 psi.

©iStock.com/Martin Heyn

The strongest shark in the world is the great white shark with a bite force of around 4,000 psi. The size of the shark is important in determining the bite force. Although pound-for-pound some smaller bull sharks can achieve a higher bite force than the same-sized great whites, scientists believe that a 21-foot great white has the greatest force of them all. Although that is their maximum length, they can also reach incredible weights. Estimates suggest that 4,000 pounds or more is possible. They have a conical snout and a stocky body that is grey or brown on the upper side and white on the lower side.

Great white sharks are the most notorious species of sharks. Many provoked and unprovoked attacks on humans are attributed to them. Despite having a bloody-thirsty reputation, many scientists believe that these sharks are actually only taking a “test bite” to see if it is something edible. This is why they have even been observed doing the same thing to inanimate objects such as buoys. However, great white sharks live all around the world where the water is between 54 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They occur both around the coasts and offshore, often bringing them into close contact with humans. They are apex predators and prey on a wide range of fish and marine mammals.

Summary of the 5 Strongest Sharks in the World

RankShark
1Tiger
2Great Hammerhead
3Oceanic Whitetip
4Bull Shark
5Great White Shark

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Martin Prochazkacz/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Hannah is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on reptiles, marine life, mammals, and geography. Hannah has been writing and researching animals for four years alongside running her family farm. A resident of the UK, Hannah loves riding horses and creating short stories.

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