A shark was filmed in the Adriatic Sea. The internet went crazy.

In the Adriatic Sea near the Bay of Kotor in Croatia, a video clip has circulated online showing what appears to be a large white shark. The footage was captured near the entrance to the bay, and many social media users have speculated that it depicts a great white shark. However, marine biologist Ilija Ćetković from the Institute of Marine Biology in Croatia has suggested otherwise, stating that the species more likely depicted in the video is the mako shark, or the longfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus). The video, which has quickly gained traction on social media platforms, shows what looks like a large, white-colored predator swimming through the water. The person who recorded the footage claims to have spotted a great white shark, and their account has been widely shared among users who believe they have captured rare footage of one of the ocean's apex predators. Despite the widespread belief that the animal in the video is a great white shark, experts caution against such assumptions. According to Ćetković, the shape of the body in the footage is more consistent with that of a mako shark. He explained that while the appearance might resemble a great white, the characteristics of the mako make it a more plausible identification. “This is not surprising, as these sharks are almost always caught or filmed in this part of the Adriatic each year,” he noted. The mako shark is considered one of the most impressive species of predatory fish in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea. It can grow up to approximately four and a half meters in length and weigh over 500 kilograms. Its slender body, pointed snout, and long, sharp teeth make it easily recognizable. Additionally, the mako is known for its incredible speed, capable of reaching speeds exceeding 70 kilometers per hour. It typically lives in open waters but occasionally approaches coasts. Its diet consists mainly of tuna, swordfish, squid, and other cephalopods. The footage comes just weeks after another incident involving a large white shark was recorded off the coast of Sicily at a depth of around 40 meters. Recently, scientists confirmed that a shark caught near Rogoznica on the Croatian island of Krk was indeed a young specimen of the great white species. These sightings highlight the presence of large predatory sharks in the region, though expert opinions remain divided on the exact identity of the creature in the latest video. While some continue to believe the footage captures a great white shark, others argue that the physical traits align more closely with those of the mako. This debate reflects broader discussions within marine biology circles regarding accurate identification of shark species based on visual evidence alone. As such, further analysis and possibly additional footage will be needed to confirm the true nature of the animal in question.