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Steve's top ten deadliest sharks

In Deadly Mission Shark, Steve Backshall faces his toughest challenge yet - protecting the future of sharks who are facing extinction. But which shark does Steve consider the deadliest?

10. Tiger sharks

What makes tiger sharks deadly?

They can bite through the toughest of prey. Even turtles don't stand a chance when faced with their mighty jaws and serrated, tin opener-like teeth. Strong, powerful and definitely deadly!

9. Nurse sharks

What makes nurse sharks deadly?

Nurse sharks have their own unique hunting technique, using their powers of suction to literally vacuum up their prey. Even the conch, with its thick shell can't escape their mighty mouth – and if you're a mollusc, they're unquestionably deadly.

8. Shortfin makos

What makes shortfin makos deadly?

Shortfin makos are the fastest shark in the oceans. Designed for speed, their torpedo-shaped bodies mean they're able to swim in bursts of 46 miles an hour, outswimming their nimble prey.

7. Thresher sharks

What makes thresher sharks deadly?

It's not just their teeth you need to watch out for – thresher sharks have an even deadlier attribute. Like a scorpion, they can whip their elongated tail to stun and even kill prey in one swift swoosh.

6. Baby lemon sharks.

What makes lemon sharks deadly?

Lemon sharks are born deadly. Surrounded by a maze of mangroves, protecting them from other lemon sharks who eat them, these youngsters become masters of their environment. They perfect their hunting skills and prey on other species seeking refuge.

5. Blue sharks.

What makes blue sharks deadly?

Blue sharks are sleek, slender, long-distance swimmers. They use their large, pectoral fins to harness the power of ocean currents, and can dive to over a thousand metres deep, making them deadly on every level.

4. Oceanic whitetips

What makes oceanic whitetips deadly?

Oceanic whitetips are a classic example of brain over brawn. They are often found hanging about alongside fishing boats in search of a free snack. Out in the open ocean, their keen senses are essential for honing in on a target with pinpoint precision. Oceanic whitetips work smarter, not harder.

3. Great white sharks

What makes great white sharks deadly?

Great white sharks may be the most iconic sharks on Steve’s list, but it’s not all about the looks – it’s what's on the inside that counts! Great white sharks are found in almost every ocean in the world. Even in the coldest of waters, their extraordinary internal heating system enables them to keep their muscles warm, maintaining their agility when ambushing prey.

2. Great hammerhead sharks

What makes great hammerhead sharks deadly?

All sharks use electro receptors to hunt. But the great hammerhead has super-sized this super sense. They seek out stingrays, scanning the ocean floor with their bizarre head to find electrical signals given off by their prey - which they then devour with 17 rows of teeth!

1. Whale sharks

What makes whale sharks deadly?

Whale sharks are true ocean giants and the biggest fish in the sea. They feed on immense amounts of small fish and plankton. Their tiny teeth are no bigger than ours, but they consume millions of baby animals every single day - so definitely deadly in their own world.

Watch Deadly Mission Shark on ´óÏó´«Ã½ iPlayer.

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