Dolphins: Dolphins are faster than sharks, and they live in groups. They can organize and attack sharks collectively. They strike the sides of the shark’s body with great force, causing the shark’s internal organs to rupture.
Orcas: The large orca whale is also a natural enemy of sharks.
Other Small Marine Creatures: For example, pufferfish, which can inflate inside a shark’s mouth, blocking water flow and causing the shark to suffocate and die. Additionally, some venomous fish species are also natural enemies of sharks.
I. Do Sharks Have Natural Enemies?
Sharks are fierce creatures of the ocean. They can make many animals their prey, and their sharp teeth enable them to hunt quickly and efficiently. However, despite their strength, sharks are not invincible in the water; they do have natural enemies.
II. Who Are the Natural Enemies of Sharks?
As mentioned earlier, while sharks are fierce hunters in the ocean, they do have predators. The following animals can be considered their natural enemies:
- Dolphins: Dolphins are undoubtedly a natural enemy of sharks. Firstly, dolphins are faster and more agile, making it very difficult for a shark to catch one. More importantly, dolphins live in groups. When a pod of dolphins comes together to attack a shark in an organized way, the shark typically cannot defend itself. When dolphins attack, they take turns striking the shark’s side. Due to the shark’s relatively soft skeleton and weaker internal protection, the shark is easily killed from these impacts.
- Orcas: Another large animal, the orca, is a predator of sharks. Orcas are known to be fierce and can overpower sharks.
- Some Smaller Marine Creatures: Additionally, smaller marine creatures can also kill sharks and thus are considered their natural enemies. For example, pufferfish can inflate inside a shark’s mouth, preventing water from flowing through the shark’s gills, causing the shark to suffocate and die. Another fish, the leopard flatfish, secretes venom that can quickly kill a shark.
