What is it about sharks that is so intriguing?

I only say I'm obsessed because I'm GLUED to the screen when any shark show is on. Possibly becoming an unhealthy obsession for me, ha. Certainly isn't lessening my fear of them!

I'd love to go down in a shark cage as well. Too bad they can smell fear (or feel vibrations in the heart beat, whatever) so they'd know I was afraid. An easy victim, eh?:X And I doubt I'd be able to ever muster up the courage to actually go through with it! Even with a cage.

Good point. It seems like humans are more likely to seek sharks out rather than the other way around. It's a shame when swimmers/surfers are attacked but sharks aren't intentional attacking us, and it's sad that we blame them when we are well aware of where they are.

Water is the Kingdome for the Sharks. Man wants to access everything, and wants to prove his supramacy.The things are not like that.

Today is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.The world is celebrating this day as international non-violence day.

Live and let live. Is it true?

Well said nathalghoda! We want to conquer all, eh? And willing to sacrifice any living thing to further our understanding or feeling of power.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Mahatama Gandhi

You have a healthy curiosity, yes? Just not to the point of obsession;)

"Sharks are dangerous as humans are dangerous to sharks too."

Definitely! However, humans are worse. Sharks don't attack for pleasure, while humans knowingly hunt them. It's a shame we have become so fearful of these beautiful creatures that the only way for us to feel in control is to hurt them.

Interesting. I know the Great White is the most feared shark, and the Tiger shark will eat anything but I didn't know the Hammerhead was it the same category!

Thanks for the reply!

AWW poor shark!:(

I have never seen a shark in person, dead or alive. I've heard about punching it in its nose, but if you're not careful and you miss, it'll end up in its mouth! Also, poking it in the eyes is supposed to be a safe way to scare it away. (Hopefully we never need to try these out!)

That sounds really scary, even if you know it is 100% dead! I would probably feel the same way. I also HATE seeing any living creature dead. It makes me sad:(

Definitely only admire from afar --- a far, far, FAR.

I would have to disagree with your statement "ultimate cold killing machine".
Get informed and watch an amazing movie at the same time!
http://www.sharkwater.com

You're right. Sharks are definitely creatures only meant to be admired from afar!

I don't think I have a favorite. Though I find the Great White the most intriguing because it's the most terrifying.

Thanks for the reply!

Well said! This is enlightening and informative.

I didn't know the exact number of different shark species, but I'm not surprised the number is that high. There's a lot of large sharks, but also a great number of smaller and less known sharks.

I do know about the lack of sleep/not being able to stop swimming. However, they do rest, just not in the same way we do.

As for their immune system, that's where the writers got to the concept for the movie "Deep Blue Sea." (An awesome film, by the way). The plot written on imdb.com has, "Searching for a cure to Alzheimer's disease a group of scientists on an isolated research facility become the bait as a trio of intelligent sharks fight back." ...that's what you get when you make such massive creatures that much smarter!

Your statements on their senses are also correct. Sharks are quite advanced with their ability to smell blood and hear/sense sick or dying fish in the water, even from a mile away. However, it's not the heart beat they hear, but rather how the fish is swimming. Weak and dying fish struggle more, so they move much faster (in one spot) and sharks can detect that; much like when humans kick around in the water.

Thanks for the reply!

I just finished watching some "Shark Week" episodes I recorded awhile back. Such interesting shows! And amazing creatures. I cannot believe how calm some people are when swimming with sharks. Even great whites! As much as I'd love the story and memory, I don't think I could do that, even in the safety of the cage!

Exactly. People assume too much about the intention of sharks. One of the "Shark Week" shows tested theories to see what caused sharks to attack. It was very difficult for them to provoke an attack! Sharks may cause harm and death to humans, but they do not intend to! Humans are more cruel to each other than sharks are to us!

I'm glad you're smart and careful with your fishing. I'm pretty sure I don't ever want to taste a shark. I won't say never (never say never) but I have absolutely no interest in that meal! I realize shark fins are delicacies in some parts of the world, but it saddens me to know people kill these creatures for their own benefit -- especially for such a small part of them!

Thanks for the reply!

So true. The unknown, something we don't fully understand, causes fear for some, while peeks others' interest.

Yes!! Indeed. Much like tigers, I'm fascinated by these beautiful creatures but never do I wish to see them in the wild!

Thanks for the reply!