True Shark Stories

Sharks are feared for their power and seemingly unpredictable natures. But they are also celebrated as the ambassadors of our oceans and predictors of nature’s health. We know so much about them, yet myths and falsehoods about their behavior persist. Uncover the truth about sharks through the stories in our guide.

Shark Myths
To separate myth from reality, Discovery contacted a leading shark expert for his take on some common shark myths.

Largest Great White Shark
Great white sharks don't outweigh whale sharks, but they hold their own as the largest predatory fish.

Sharks in Movies
Steven Spielberg's thriller Jaws was a summer hit in 1975. See where else sharks have popped up in movie history.

Worst Shark Attack Ever
Nine hundred men wearing life jackets were bobbing up and down with the waves of the Pacific. And the sharks began to arrive just before dawn.

Killer Sharks?
Shark perceptions evolve from cold-blooded killers to environmental saviors.

Shark Finning
Human shark cravings and the price we pay to satisfy them.
Protect Sharks
And help preserve shark week for the future.

Shark Tracking
New shark tracking technologies reveal just how perfect these predators are and how closely we are related.

Freshwater Sharks
It’s unknown if any shark can live out its entire life in fresh water, but the miracle is that they can thrive at all under such conditions.

Frill Sharks
The frilled shark has been called everything from a “sea serpent” to a real-life “Loch Ness Monster” over the years in places where it lives.

Prehistoric Sharks
Sharks are among Earth’s oldest life-forms, having emerged between 455 and 420 million years ago.

Explore More

SHARK VIDEOS

Great White Sharks

Shark Anatomy

Shark Aquariums

Shark Facts

Tiger Shark

Tracking Sharks

Shark Attack

More Shark Attacks

SHARK WEEK

Watch Shark Week 2008
SHARK WEEK premieres July 27 to Aug. 2, 2008, featuring six all-new programs along with some of SHARK WEEK's most popular and memorable shows from past years. Check out the Shark Week lineup and see the TV schedule for the full week of shark programming.