MYTH

Whale sharks are the largest, reaching up to 40 feet. Great whites typically reach 15-20 feet.

Source: Whale Shark Facts - WWF

FACT

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

Source: Shark Magnetic Navigation - Current Biology

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

MYTH

While rare, sharks can and do get cancer. This misconception led to harmful cartilage supplement marketing.

Source: Do Sharks Get Cancer? - Journal of Cancer Research

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