Scared of getting attacked by sharks? Well so am I. Sharks have a strong sight and sense of smell, which makes certain colors and objects stand out more to them.
Here are 10 colors and things that can attract sharks.
Colors:
- Bright Yellow: Often called “yum yum yellow” because of its visibility
- White: High contrast in water makes it stand out
- Silver: Reflects light and can mimic the flash of fish scales
- Bright Orange: Similar to yellow, it stands out in the water
- Black and White Patterns: High contrast can be attractive
Things:
- Blood: Sharks can detect tiny amounts of blood from far away
- Fish and Marine Animal Scents: They are naturally drawn to these scents
- Splashing: Movement in the water can mimic struggling prey
- Fishing Gear: Bait and caught fish can attract them
- Shiny Objects: Jewelry or anything that reflects light can look like fish scales
If you plan on going into shark territory, it’s always a good idea to avoid bright colors, do not splash, and remove shiny jewelry so you don’t attract them.
Here are three fun shark facts to sink your teeth into!
- Sharks Don’t Have Bones
Sharks are made of cartilage, the same flexible material that forms your nose and ears. This makes them lightweight and incredibly agile swimmers. Their cartilaginous skeleton also helps them float better in water. - They’ve Been Around for a LONG Time
Sharks have been on Earth for over 400 million years, which means they predate dinosaurs by about 200 million years! These ancient predators have evolved into over 500 species, each with unique traits to survive in their habitats. - Some Sharks Glow in the Dark
Certain species, like the velvet belly lanternshark, produce a natural glow through a process called bioluminescence. This helps them camouflage or communicate in the deep sea’s pitch-black environment. They’re like the underwater version of glow sticks!
