Sharks were found across most of the Shifting Blue, ranging from shallow coastal waters to the open sea and deep pelagic zones. They were most common in temperate and tropical regions, though some species ranged into cold waters. Sharks avoided freshwater, save for a few adaptable subspecies, and were rarely found in enclosed or stagnant seas. Many species followed currents, reefs, or migration routes where fish, Seals, Manta Rays, or carrion were reliably present.
Most sharks were solitary hunters, though some species formed loose groups around abundant food sources or during seasonal movements. Rather than cooperative pack tactics, their behavior emphasized individual assessment and opportunistic strikes. They relied on patience and positioning, often circling or trailing prey before committing to an attack. Larger species could travel great distances, crossing entire ocean basins in search of feeding or breeding grounds.
Sharks depended on a suite of highly specialized senses. Their sense of smell was exceptionally keen, capable of detecting trace amounts of blood over long distances. Electroreception allowed them to sense the muscle movements of nearby animals, even when buried or obscured. Their skin, covered in rough dermal denticles, reduced drag and protected them from injury, while their replaceable teeth ensured they remained effective hunters despite frequent damage.
Though sharks generally avoided Mortalkind vessels, encounters increased in areas of fishing, shipping, or coastal settlement. Most interactions were non-aggressive, but their size and predatory nature inspired fear and superstition in many cultures.