Sharks Sizes

[krj-1168]

Lately I've been wondering about the maximum sizes of sharks. Maybe it has something to do with Shark Week .


Still I was research some shark species - and saw some may differences in the maximum quoted sizes vs the reliably recorded maximum sizes.

The following examples are possible examples of over estimations in maximum size.
-The Whale Shark - is between 18-20 meters (approximately 60-65 ft). But the largest reliably record Whale Shark is about 12.5 meters (41 ft long).

-The Basking shark is between 12.2-14 meters (40-46 ft), but most reliable records suggest a maximum fo "only" 10-11 meters (33-36 ft).

-The Great Whites have sometimes been estimated at up to 8-9 meters (26-29.5 ft) - remember "JAWS", but also based loosely on estimates from Fossilized Teeth. But presently the modern Great Whites are reported to max out around 6.4-7.3 meters (about 21-24 ft).

The Tiger Shark, which some have estimated at reaching up to 7.3 meters (24 ft), but most reports suggest a more reasonable 5.5 meters (18 ft).

The Nurse Shark, while a maximum of 14 ft has been often quoted, but the largest recorded specimens found in the past 20 years(thru various scientific studies) appears to be about 2.8-3.2 meters (9.2-10.5 ft).

Just wonder are these examples for finds lower maximum sizes - do to falling populations within these species or just simple over-estimations by past scientists - since most of the larger estimated maximum sizes are over 30 years old?

 

[Zoodiver]

I'd say it has to do with when/how the record was taken, and method of recording the length. A lot of the time you'll hear of a XX foot long fish that swam by. Not one that was hauled out and held against a tapemeasure. For others, we know that animals don't grow as large as they used to. Overfishing of their food and climate changes over the past 200 years have had a great (and negative) impact on animal growth rates in the wild.

 

[VLDesign]

Yes humans are the root cause of all the environmental problems today.

IMHO: If there were a worldwide ban in place on having numerous kids (Limit to 1 or 2) then this would greatly help out with the future existance of many animals (Including us humans).

This is also the only way to stop global warming. Humans have overpopulated earth to the point where we are killing everything around us by just being here.

 

[krj-1168]

Yes humans are the root cause of all the environmental problems today.

IMHO: If there were a worldwide ban in place on having numerous kids (Limit to 1 or 2) then this would greatly help out with the future existance of many animals (Including us humans).

This is also the only way to stop global warming. Humans have overpopulated earth to the point where we are killing everything around us by just being here.

Yeah - we're all aware of the impact humans have had on the environment in the last 150 years. But forcing people to limit the number of children they have "Is Not The Answer", as it would be incredibly difficult to impliment on Global Scale. A much better and more direct plan would be environmental reforms, such as Finding Eco-friendly way to solve the energy needs of humans, and impliment much tougher conservation measures to protect endangered species, including very tough sentences for those breaking fishing bans.

I'd say it has to do with when/how the record was taken, and method of recording the length. A lot of the time you'll hear of a XX foot long fish that swam by. Not one that was hauled out and held against a tapemeasure. For others, we know that animals don't grow as large as they used to. Overfishing of their food and climate changes over the past 200 years have had a great (and negative) impact on animal growth rates in the wild.

I think I get what your saying - Matt.

Basically one needs to look at reliable reports - and figure out if the measurement is Fork Length, or Total Length. And in what part of the species range was it recorded in - as several shark species are known to grow larger in one part of their range than in others - due to such factors as food supply, diet, & water temperatures.

Also how were the larger reported sized measured - gross approximations(using a boat or a diver or some other rough guide) or actual measured specimens. And when the larger specimens were recorded. For example if these "Larger" Specimens were recorded about 40 years ago or longer - then the populations of the species may have reduced so much that it's highly unlikely to encounter another specimen of that size.