The image of a shark is automatically terrifying as sharks are known as vicious, hungry killers. While this is true, their predatory skills are set on devouring fish and other sea creatures, rather than humans. Still, people usually want their sharks to look a bit terrifying, both because the image usually looks better in this way and it says a bit more about the owner of the tattoo.

When placed in a body of water with a shark, the effect is one of utter terror. People usually think of the famous movie Jaws, which has a gigantic great white shark seeking out any humans that came into its territory. While some shark designs do show a shark simply swimming around with its fin poking up above the water, you’ll find that most people opt to get the sharks head popping up over the water with its sharp teeth flashing and angry look on its face.

The shark as symbol, therefore, is one of warning and peril. People who use these shark tattoo meanings are saying that they could snap at any moment if provoked. The meaning also could be that the owner of the tattoo does not like when other people invade their space. The shark serves as a warning that the owner has the tendency to “bite” with no warning.

Although they are efficient killing machines, sharks swim through the water with precision and grace, hunting to survive and thrive in the ocean. You might not think it when looking at a shark tattoo, but it absolutely can represent grace. This could mean that the owner of the shark tattoo takes pride in being meticulous in everything they do or they have been told that they are charming and they are proud of that trait.

Because of their multiple rows of teeth and enormous jaws, sharks are widely feared. This shark tattoo meaning can also be used in multiple ways. Some might get a shark tat to show that they acknowledge the face that they do have fears and are ready to face them. Others will get their shark tattoos to show that they should be feared for one reason or another. If you want to use one of these shark tattoo meanings, you could even use the literal “Fear” text to make the meaning clearer.