The coasts of Spain are home to several shark species. They are more commonly seen in the part of the Atlantic bordering the country rather than the Mediterranean, as the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean is suitable for most shark species.
Common shark species in the Atlantic include the spiny dogfish, the blue shark, and the copper shark. While attacks on humans have traditionally been rare, with climate changes and more humans entering territories where sharks reside without proper precautions, such attacks will likely increase.
List of the Different Types of Sharks in Spain
| Species | Maximum Size | Aggressiveness |
| Angel Shark | 4-7 feet | Moderately aggressive |
| Basking Shark | 23-30 feet | Not aggressive |
| Bigeye Thresher Shark | 11-16 feet | Not aggressive |
| Blue Shark | 6-11 feet | Not aggressive |
| Common Thresher Shark | 12-18 feet | Not aggressive |
| Copper Shark | 11-12 feet | Not aggressive |
| Dusky Shark | 9 -12 feet | Not aggressive (until provoked) |
| Frilled Shark | 5.6-6.6 feet | Not aggressive |
| Great White Shark | 11-16 feet | Highly aggressive |
| Longfin Mako Shark | 12-14 feet | Not aggressive |
| Nursehound Shark | 4.3-5.2 feet | Not aggressive |
| Oceanic Whitetip Shark | 10-13 feet | Highly aggressive |
| Porbeagle Shark | 6-12 feet | Not aggressive |
| Sand Tiger Shark | 7-10 feet | Not aggressive (due to their small mouths) |
| Shortfin Mako Shark | 6.5-9.5 feet | Highly aggressive |
| Silky Shark | 7-10 feet | Highly aggressive |
| Small Spotted Catshark | 2.5-3 feet | Not aggressive |
| Smooth Hammerhead Shark | 8-12 feet | Not aggressive (but are potentially dangerous) |
| Spiny Dogfish | 2.5-3.5 feet | Not aggressive (due to their small size) |
| Whale Shark | 18-32 feet | Not aggressive |
Recent Cases of Shark Attacks in Spain >>
FAQs
1. Have there been shark attacks in Spain?
There have been several recorded shark attacks in Spain, the last occurring in 2016. Most of these have been non-fatal, thanks to the quick intervention and medical aid.
2. Are there great white sharks in Spain?
Yes, great whites have been spotted off the coasts of Catalonia, Costa Brava, and Levante.
