Curiosity Arises as a Blue Shark Roams Peacefully in Sicilian Waters

A blue shark calmly navigating the waters of the harbor – this unusual sight unfolded in Milazzo, Sicily. The blue shark, also known as the blue or blue pointer, belongs to the Carcharhinidae family, which encompasses all gray sharks. These sharks are widespread across the world and occasionally venture close to the coastline, eliciting human interest and curiosity.

The video, posted by Oggi Milazzo, captured the blue shark near pleasure boats at the Marina del Nettuno harbor. The presence of the shark in these waters has generated considerable fascination.

Blue sharks are known for their slender and highly agile build, characterized by elongated and narrow pectoral fins, while their other fins are short and pointed. Their heads are distinctly pointed, and their mouths are equipped with a series of well-serrated triangular teeth. As they mature, males typically reach average lengths between 1.8 and 2.8 meters, while females range from 2.2 to 3.3 meters. The largest observed specimens have grown up to 3.8 meters.

Blue sharks predominantly inhabit deep temperate and tropical waters, and their ability to tolerate temperatures exceeding 21°C allows them to be spotted, as in this case, even in shallower waters. However, there is little cause for alarm, at least not to an excessive degree: these sharks are generally non-aggressive, with their diet primarily consisting of small fish and squid, although they are capable of capturing larger prey.

Encounters between blue sharks and humans are not uncommon, often due to the sharks' inquisitive nature and their occasional ventures close to the coast.