Pantheracarcharodon: Panther Shark

Of the many species of shark that have evolved to hunt the Neozoic seas, one of the most fearsome is Pantheracarcharodon longimanus, the Panther shark. A descendent of the Salmon Shark, panther sharks have taken on a niche similar to the tiger and blue sharks of the human era, retaining the classic lamnid shape that has suited their family for eons since age of the dinosaurs. Built for short, quick bursts of speed and steady ocean cruising, panther sharks are built for consuming anything they come across. Preferring seals, Chevrotain-whales and other marine mammals as well as fish, marine reptiles and carrion, this shark, usually ranging in size from 17-22 feet on average, is easily capable of making a meal out of whatever it wants. Highly intelligent for a shark, it travels in what could be considered as social pair (usually consisting of siblings or mated pairs) dominated by the largest individual. This evolutionary strategy heightens the opportunity for finding a decent meal and provides protection from other, larger predators such as their cousin, Carcharodon giganteus. Like true great whites of the human era, these sharks also flock to seal colonies to hunt, timing their arrival to coincide with their pupping season and molting. It is also in these places that these sharks come to give birth, for when seal-pups start to learn to swim, there will be plenty of food for sharks both young and old.