Hobbies And Interests
Mako
Mako is a catchall term for several mackeral shark species that are members of the genus Isurus. These prized game fish are stealthy swimmers, reaching up to 12 feet in length and 1,000 pounds. Mako bodies are generally blue on top with a white underside. They feed on large fish, many times swallowing them whole. Makos are not considered man-eaters, but their ferocious look is likely to terrify swimmers, whom they've been known to attack. They are classified in the order Selachii, family Isuridae.
Tiger
Tiger sharks, Galeocerdo cuvier, can grow up to 25 feet in length and weigh 1,900 pounds, and are known to consume diverse prey, including turtles, seals and humans. These man-eaters have vertical body stripes as juveniles, thus the name "tiger" shark. Because their skin, flesh, liver and fins are used in commercial products such as vitamin oil, they have low repopulation rates and are considered to be a near-threatened species. Tiger sharks categorize in the Carcharhiniforme order, in the Carcharhinidae family.
Great White
The great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, or simply, white shark, is an extremely predatory species that will attack -- and eat -- humans without provocation. These man-eaters can reach more that 20 feet in length and 7,000 pounds. Great white sharks only have white coloring on their underside, with a gray, brown or blue upper body. Torpedo-shaped and streamlined, these sharks swim up to 15 miles per hour. Great whites are classified in the Selachii order and Isuridae family.
Bonnethead
Bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo, also called shovelhead shark, is a member of the hammerhead family and generally grows up to 4 feet in length at around 24 pounds. They are brownish to gray in color, and have widened shovel-like heads. Bonnetheads primarily eat crustaceans, but also consume small fish, clams and octopuses. They are categorized in the order Carcharhiniformes, family Sphyrnidae.
Blacktip
The blacktip shark, Carcharhinus limbatus, can grow up to about 8 feet in length and 55 pounds. These bluish-gray sharks have a distinguishing black mark on most of their fins, and are commercially marketed for them, as well as they flesh, liver and hide. Blacktips consume a wide array fish varieties and, though not considered man-eaters, they are known for "hit and run" attacks on swimmers. The blacktip shark is classified in the order Carcharhiniformes, family Carcharhinidae.
Sandbar
Sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus, is also known as "brown shark", having a brown to gray upper body, with a white underside. These bottom-feeders consume crustaceans and mollusks among their prey items, and grow up to 7.5 feet, weighing in at 200 pounds. Sandbars are marketed for their meat and represent more than 50 percent of Florida's commercial landings. They are distinguished by a higher than average dorsal fin, and are categorized in the order Carcharhiniforme, family Carcharhinidae.