How Fast Does a Shark Swim?
Sharks are fish with extremely streamlined bodies. They range in size from very small specimens to the huge whale shark, the largest fish on the planet. Most species of sharks survive by eating other fish, so they need to be fast enough to capture them for a meal. Although it is difficult to get an accurate measurement of speed scientists are able to estimate how fast sharks can swim.
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Theories/Speculation
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The most recognizable species of shark is the Great White Shark, a species that can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh 5,000 lbs. White sharks are able to swim fast enough to catch and eat such sea creatures as seals and tunas, no true measurement of its speed has ever been recorded. However, scientists have calculated that a great white shark can cut through the water at a speed of at least 25 mph and perhaps as quickly as 35 mps.
Time Frame
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The blue shark is one that has been studied more than most types of sharks. It has been observed swimming at 24.5 mph and is believed to be able to maintain a speed of 43 mph for a very short distance. Most sharks swim at a relaxed and unhurried pace when not in pursuit of food, gliding through the water at around 2 mph.
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Potential
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There is a consensus among marine biologists that the fastest shark is the shortfin mako shark. It has been timed at 31 mph in one instance and unofficially been observed going 46 mph. It is thought to be capable of even faster potential speeds. Shortfin makos have been known to jump 15 to 20 feet out of the water when hooked by deep sea anglers, which would require a speed of over 24 mph to achieve such a height.
Size
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Although the whale shark is the largest shark, it is by no means the fastest. It uses its whole body for swimming instead of just its back end and tail. The whale shark can swim at around 3 miles an hour at a normal pace and is probably capable of twice that speed. The largest whale shark reliably measured was found to be 41.5 feet long and weighed more than 47,000 lbs. Over the years, stories have surfaced of whale sharks that were up to 75 feet long, but scientists do not regard these tales as accurate.
Considerations
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The secret to the shortfin makos' speed is that they have been found to be able to raise their scales as they accelerate which allows them to form minute "wells" across their skin. This ability reduces the amount of drag as the shark swims through the water, much like a golf ball's dimples allow it to travel further. The small area between the raised scales contain tiny whirlpools of water that make the shark able to swim without producing a large wake behind it, resulting in faster speeds.
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Resources
- Photo Credit underwatervideo.co.za
