Home > Directory of Sharks

Directory of Sharks

The 343 species or so of shark currently recognized are divided into 8 orders and 31 families.  We aren't going to list all 343 species, but for those who wish to get a hold of a list of all species and a strict description of the method of classification, there is a real "bible" in this field, drawn up on behalf of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Oranization) by Professor Leonard Compagno, the world's leading shark expert.  Although this book is out of print, you may still be able to order a used copy from Amazon using the link to the right.

The directory which follows does, on the other hand, include all the 31 species which attack, have attacked or are liable to attack man.  A few species have been added that do not present any risk, either because they are of interest for the study of sharks in general or because they show the immense polymorphism of sharks.