Mississippi has over 15 shark species including some of the big ones like the nurse and hammerhead sharks and smaller species such as the Atlantic sharpnose and blacknose sharks. Shark attacks aren’t that common in Mississippi, with just three incidents recorded by the International Shark Attack File, all of which are unprovoked. The first two attacks in 1879, and 1906 were fatal. However, in the third one in 1960, the victim did not succumb to injuries.
List of the Different Types of Sharks in Mississippi
| Species | Maximum Size | Aggressiveness |
| Atlantic Sharpnose Shark | 2-4 feet | Moderately aggressive |
| Blacknose Shark | 3-5 feet | Not aggressive |
| Blacktip Shark | 5-8 feet | Moderately aggressive |
| Sandbar Shark | 5.5-8.5 feet | Not aggressive |
| Silky Shark | 7-10 feet | Highly aggressive |
| Dusky Shark | 9 -12 feet | Not aggressive (until provoked) |
| Bull Shark | 7-12 feet | Highly aggressive |
| Shortfin Mako | 6.5-9.5 feet | Highly aggressive |
| Tiger Shark | 10-14 feet | Highly aggressive |
| Nurse Shark | 18-32 feet | Not aggressive |
| Gulper Shark | 2.5-3 feet | Not aggressive |
| Gulf Smooth-hound | 3.5-4.5 feet | Not aggressive |
| Bonnethead Shark | 4-5 feet | Not aggressive |
| Scalloped Hammerhead | 9-12 feet | Moderately aggressive |
| Great Hammerhead | 15-20 feet | Highly aggressive |
| Spinner Shark | 7-8 feet | Not aggressive |
FAQs
1. Are there great white sharks in Mississippi?
There have been no sightings of great whites in the state.
