The Scottish Mail on Sunday

BULL SHARKS Factfile on a monster of the deep

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Scientific name is Carcharhin­us leucas. Bull sharks have killed 27 humans on record, with only two other shark species – the great white and the tiger shark – having killed more.

They have around 350 razor-sharp teeth with serrated edges to help tear flesh.

The bull shark can reach 11ft in length and weigh up to 500lbs.

Favouring warm shallow waters, they are territoria­l and extremely aggressive.

Their name derives from their violent nature as well as their short, blunt snout and tendency to headbutt their prey.

Bull sharks are found worldwide in coastal areas of warm oceans.

They have the highest bite force for their size out of all shark species – and will eat almost anything they see including fish, dolphins and even other sharks.

 ??  ?? PREDATOR AND PREY: A bull shark and victim Shane to scale
PREDATOR AND PREY: A bull shark and victim Shane to scale

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