MYTH

While sharks have an excellent sense of smell, they can only detect blood from about a quarter mile away under ideal conditions.

Source: Shark Sensory Biology - Florida Museum

MYTH

While reported attacks may increase due to better reporting and more people in the water, actual attack rates remain very low.

Source: Shark Attack Trends - International Shark Attack File

FACT

Sharks have special organs called ampullae of Lorenzini that can detect the electrical fields of other animals.

Source: Shark Magnetic Navigation - Current Biology

FACT

Sharks can lose and regrow thousands of teeth in their lifetime, with some species growing new teeth every two weeks.

Source: Shark Teeth Facts - American Museum of Natural History

MYTH

Some shark species can pump water over their gills while stationary. Only certain species like great whites need to keep moving.

Source: How Sharks Breathe - ReefQuest Centre