OceanX - "ShArKS hAVe tO SWIm CONsTanTLy oR ThEY'Ll DIE"—noooo, hashtag #notallsharks! Out of around 500 species, only ~24 species of shark* HAVE to swim constantly. They're called "obligate ram ventilators," meaning
Shedd Aquarium - Blacktip reef shark - These sharks are obligate ram ventilators, which means that they have to swim to breathe! Blacktips are pretty easy to identify—their dorsal fin looks like
![Some sharks have lost the ability to breathe by pumping water through their gills (buccal pumping). Instead, they must continuously swim to force water over their gills (obligate ram ventilation). Some examples Some sharks have lost the ability to breathe by pumping water through their gills (buccal pumping). Instead, they must continuously swim to force water over their gills (obligate ram ventilation). Some examples](https://external-preview.redd.it/MDRRs43FJ1TEsjHElSbveyTUB-YpALci0TutI4B3_8Q.jpg?auto=webp&s=abd10bad83bac84709c8602500c7d6e1eb62b116)
Some sharks have lost the ability to breathe by pumping water through their gills (buccal pumping). Instead, they must continuously swim to force water over their gills (obligate ram ventilation). Some examples
![Carcharodon carcharias stock image for sale, available for publication in editorial and commercial projects, Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve | Marine Photography by Brandon Cole Carcharodon carcharias stock image for sale, available for publication in editorial and commercial projects, Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve | Marine Photography by Brandon Cole](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000r8O98wt3cTE/s/600/600/WG0530-D-brandon-cole-great-white-shark-photo.jpg)