Shark facts for kids

5 Fun facts about sharks!

FUN FACT NO. 1

Did you know there are over 1000 species of elasmobranchs – that’s sharks, skates and rays to their friends. Found all over the world from the depths of the oceans to golf courses! Yes, really! In the 1990s, floods in Queensland, Australia swept a group of bull sharks from two local rivers into a lake… on a golf course!

FUN FACT NO. 2

Sharks have been around for over 400 million years, making them way older than dinosaurs!

FUN FACT NO. 3

All sharks, skates and rays have skeletons made from cartilage (soft, light tissue also found in human noses and ears) rather than bone.

FUN FACT NO. 4

Skate and shark egg cases can often be found washed up on beaches. They’re known as mermaids’ purses! 

FUN FACT NO. 5

About a third of elasmobranchs are threatened with extinction. The main culprit it overfishing – many are targeted for their meat and fins, while others are caught accidentally. You can help by only eating sustainably caught seafood.

If you want to find out more, grab a copy of our Sharks issue available on the AQUILA website.

Written by: Josette Reeves