One of the most appealing aspects of spending time in Italy is due to the array of pristine beaches that beach-dwellers have to choose from. From La Pelosa in Sardinia to Spiaggia di Pescoluse in Puglia, the options are extensive. What many people don’t realise, though, is that while they’re devouring delicious authentic cuisine in a beach bar or cooling off in the Mediterranean, sharks could be frequenting the waters deep out at sea. In fact, around 47 species are said to call it their home.
Of course, we aren’t necessarily talking about huge populations of man-eating monsters here, but more of a diverse range of sharks that many Italian citizens and holidaymakers aren’t aware of. Similar to the sharks seen in fascinating documentaries with David Attenborough and in fun releases like the Beware The Deep shark-themed slot game, these sharks vary in terms of their size and tend to be found in coral gardens and rock-filled reefs, meaning that they’re unlikely to be swimming alongside you anytime soon.
Still, it’s both weird and wonderful that such a comprehensive selection of sharks actually swim in the Mediterranean and so many people don’t even know about it. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at just some of the species of shark that are known to frequent Italy’s waters.
Shortfin Mako Shark
Known as a large mackerel shark, the shortfin mako shark is rarely spotted in Italy but it has been seen numerous times in the past. Like so many bigger sharks, it tends to frequent much deeper waters where it can hunt and reach incredible speeds. In fact, the shortfin mako shark is officially the fastest known shark species, with it being able to reach speeds of 74 km/h (46 mph) in bursts. Impressive, right?
School Shark
Although school sharks are another species that is hard to find, they are present in Italy’s seas. Instantly recognisable due to their long and slender bodies while also possessing a snout that sticks out far more than other sharks, school sharks tend to swim in large groups as they hunt for fish to eat and generally live a happy life in the Mediterranean.
Blue Shark
One of the most common species of larger shark that has been witnessed in the Mediterranean, blue sharks are only really seen in deeper and cooler waters. Stunning in terms of their appearance, these majestic creatures pose very little threat to us humans and prefer to hunt around for any tasty marine life they can demolish.
Great White Shark
Before you decide never to swim in Italian waters ever again, great white shark sightings are incredibly rare, but they have been spotted in the Mediterranean before. Seen off the coast of Italy, these fierce predators are huge in size and are capable of reaching speeds of up to 16 miles per hour. Fear not, though; it’s highly unlikely that a great white shark will ever be swimming in the waters of a five-star resort or a special beach somewhere. They tend to prefer deep water, and even then, they’re incredibly hard to find in the Mediterranean.
Sand Tiger Shark
Tiny in size and a species that is declining in terms of its numbers, sand tiger sharks are completely harmless to any sea swimmers. While it is rare to spot them in Italy, they have been seen before and are distinctive due to their unique look and size.
Other species of shark in the waters around Italy include Catshark, Grey Nurse Shark, Black Tip Shark, Hammerhead Shark, Spinner Shark, Tiger Shark, Bull Shark, Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, Spiny Dogfish, and Basking Shark.
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Contributing author to Weird Italy, , a site focused on exploring the distinctive and unconventional facets of Italian culture, history, and modern life.