The Great Barrier Reef is home to a spectrum of different marine life. From vibrant corals to turtles, and over 50 species of sharks. But how many of these sharks are dangerous?
The most dangerous sharks in Australia are:
- Great whites
- Bull sharks
- Tiger sharks
Great White Shark
The most dangerous shark in Australia is the Great White Shark.
The Great White Shark is the most dangerous in Australia. Great White Sharks are the most feared and well-known sharks in the world, as they’re the common cause of shark attacks.
They tend to live in cooler waters. So, in Australia, they’ll be more commonly found in South Australia, Western Australia, and parts of New South Wales. So, the Great Barrier Reef is far too warm for Great White Sharks, who prefer a cool ocean.
They are incredibly powerful, growing up to 6 metres long. Humans are not their primary diet, but sometimes they can mistake a human for a seal.
Bull Sharks
Bull sharks are another dangerous shark, as they have higher levels of aggression than other sharks. They have higher testosterone levels than other sharks. They can swim in both freshwater and salt water, which means they’re found in estuaries and rivers as well as the ocean. They’re more commonly found in Queensland and the Northern shores of Australia, where it’s warmer.
Tiger Sharks
Tiger sharks grow up to 5 metres long. They owe their name to their stripey pattern, and they have a broad diet of many different fish, as well as turtles. They eat almost anything. Like pigs of the ocean, these sharks are not fussy at all. They are more commonly found in the Great Barrier Reef. They’re slow swimmers, which allows them a good sneaky lead up to their prey.
They sit at the top of the food chain in the Great Barrier Reef’s food chain. Most of the sharks in the Great Barrier Reef are very harmless. 50 different species of shark call the Great Barrier Reef their home.
We all know that shark attacks can be fatal, so they should be looked out for with caution! Because of this, Australia’s shark detection systems are usually very good, which means they can catch sighted early on.
But what about staying safe in the Australian oceans? In Australia, here are some simple tips to reduce the risk of a shark encounter if you are scuba diving or snorkelling.
- Swim between flags
- Avoid swimming at dusk or dawn, when the sharks are most active
- If you’re bleeding, don’t stay in the water
- Avoid wearing shiny jewellery in the water
- Swim with others and try not to swim alone. Sharks are more likely to target swimmers who are swimming solo
- Avoid murky, dense waters. That’s where sharks enjoy hanging out!