If you see a shark in Brevard, it's likely one of these

There are more than 530 different kinds of shark species in the world.

Seventy of them can be found off the Eastern coast of the U.S. Off the coast of Florida, there are about 20 different species typically seen, according to Gavin Naylor, the program director for the Florida Program for Shark Research at the University of Florida.

Still most swimmers, beachgoers and surfers will see far fewer than those 20 if they see one at all.

Blacktip and tiger sharks common off Brevard coast

If you do see a shark in the waters off Brevard, it will likely be a blacktip shark or a tiger shark.

Blacktip sharks are the most common to bite people off the coast of Central Florida. They are generally timid. Easily identified by the black tip of their dorsal fins, they often are spotted in large schools while migrating. They are known to linger about 100 to 200 feet from shore feasting on small fish, like mullet and are among the fastest swimming sharks around.

Blacktips have also been known to eat smaller sharks.

Tiger sharks get their name from the dark, vertical stripes they have when they’re young. Although those stripes fade as the sharks grow.

They can grow quite large – as much as 25 feet and weigh more than 1,900 pounds. They are also known for their aggressiveness and their willingness to eat almost anything. They rank second only to great whites in number of attacks on humans.

Bull sharks most common in Brevard lagoons

If any sharks are found in Brevard’s lagoons, it’s usually bull sharks, according to Naylor.

“Bull sharks are tolerant of fresh water so they will go into rivers and fresh water and they drop their pups there,” Naylor said. “The fresh water offers a lot of protection and food.”

They get their name because they often head-butt their prey before attacking.

Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.