Blacktip reef sharks, Maldives

© Filippo Bacci/Getty Image

Blacktip reef sharks, Maldives

Sharks have thrived for a long time. It's believed that sharks have been cruising the oceans for at least 420 million years, according to fossil records. There are over 500 species of sharks, a third of which are threatened with extinction, each uniquely adapted to its habitat. From the graceful hammerhead with its panoramic vision, to the sleek mako, fastest of all sharks, to today's camouflaged blacktip reef sharks, these creatures display a remarkable diversity. Sharks have a fearsome reputation, which has led to them being victims of myths and misconceptions such as that they are constantly aggressive, mindless killing machines, or that they can smell a single drop of blood in the ocean, most of which are not true. Let's move away from these myths and celebrate these magnificent and misunderstood creatures for what they!