Discover the fascinating group names of the ocean’s most misunderstood predators.
From a shiver of sharks to a school or shoal, these ancient ocean hunters have picked up some colorful collective nouns over the years. Throughout August we’re celebrating Shark Month by exploring collective nouns, fun facts, habitats, and surprising trivia about some of the world’s most fascinating shark species.
Follow along all month as new shark articles are added below.
Why Sharks?
Sharks have been patrolling the world’s oceans for over 400 million years, predating trees and outliving several mass extinctions. Unlike most fish, a shark’s skeleton is made entirely of cartilage rather than bone. There are more than 500 known species, ranging from the tiny dwarf lanternshark (small enough to fit in your hand) to the whale shark, the largest fish in the ocean.
Sharks have picked up several collective nouns over time, including shiver, school, shoal, and pack. This month we’re taking a closer look at what these terms mean and the species behind them.
Coming Throughout August
As each new article is published, this page will be updated with direct links.
What You’ll Learn
Every article in our Shark Month series includes:
- The primary collective noun
- Alternative group names
- Where the animal lives
- Lifespan
- Diet and hunting habits
- Reproduction
- Interesting facts
- Frequently asked questions
- Original illustrations created for Gaggle of Nouns
Did You Know?
Sharks are older than trees. The earliest shark ancestors appeared in the fossil record roughly 400 million years ago, while trees didn’t show up for another 50 million years or so.
Most sharks aren’t dangerous to humans. The vast majority of the 500+ known species are under three feet long and pose no threat at all.
The whale shark, the largest fish in the ocean, is a gentle filter feeder that survives almost entirely on plankton and small fish.
Join Us All Month
We’re publishing new shark articles throughout August.
Check back regularly to discover another fascinating shark species and learn the surprising names used for groups of these incredible animals.
Continue Exploring Collective Nouns
If you enjoyed learning about sharks, there are hundreds of other fascinating animal group names waiting to be discovered.