Sponsored by: South Carolina Aquarium

Sharks are infamous thanks to movies like “Jaws” and “Sharknado", but what do you really know about the ocean’s greatest predators? Here are some interesting facts you might not know about these amazing marine creatures:

1. Sharks are pretty much invincible

Sharks have survived five planet extinction events, and have been around for more than 400 million years. They even lived alongside the dinosaurs. How cool is that?

2. You’re more likely to be killed by a coconut than a shark

Who would have thought that tropical fruit could be so dangerous? Falling coconuts kill an average of 150 people each year. There were only six reported deaths worldwide in 2015, whereas an estimated 100 million sharks are killed by humans every year.

3. Sharks aren’t picky eaters

Some shark species, like the tiger shark, will eat almost anything in sight. Old tires, plastic and other harmful things have been found in the bellies of tiger sharks. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources works very closely with institutions like the South Carolina Aquarium to ensure animals like tiger sharks have a healthy diet, absent of tires and other harmful pollution.

4. Sharks are really good listeners

Sharks won’t listen to your problems, but they WILL hear you coming from over two football fields away.

5. Sharks don’t need a dentist

Sharks have an average of 40-45 teeth and up to seven rows of replacement teeth waiting in the background. Throughout their lifetime they can lose more than 30,000 teeth.

Sharks are vital to a healthy ecosystem, and without them the oceans could be in trouble. The South Carolina Aquarium works with the South Carolina Department of National Resources every year to ensure these species are protected, and that their populations remain steady. If you enjoy the beach, thank sharks for keeping our ecosystem balanced.

For more awesome facts about sharks, visit the South Carolina Aquarium during its annual Shark Week from August 6-13. Enjoy special dive shows, educational stations and photo opportunities all centered around the ocean’s apex predator. All Shark Week activities are included with the price of admission.

For more details about Shark Week festivities or to learn more jaw-some shark facts visit SCAquarium.org.