Shark Tattoos for Men
Ever since the dawn of time humans have been amazed and terrified of the big daddies of the sea: the shark. It’s no surprise then that people are getting these almost hypnotising behemoths tattooed onto their bodies. But what are the specific reasons people give for doing it?
Movies
Everyone has a favourite shark movie and many people use memorable scenes from one of these movies as the inspiration for their tattoo. The Steven Spielberg classic Jaws was one of the highest grossing movies of all time, and it’s shark villain made many of us afraid to step foot in the ocean. Some took the iconic image of Jaws with its mouth wide open and razor teeth showing, and used it as their tattoo. Some people may get sharks from one of the array of different shark-based movies out there, but it outwardly and proudly shows their interest in the specific movie showcased or just the general shark movie genre.
Sailors
Sailors have had a long tradition of placing a shark tattoo on their body to prove that they are not afraid of dying at sea, so shark tattoos for men on board was not uncommon. It also is a sign of hoping for protection from the gods from the sharks, as it was believed that if a shark followed your ship, one of the crew would die.
Mythology and Tradition
The Fijian shark god Dakuwanga is believed to devour lost souls and protect fishermen at sea, whilst in Hawaii native folklore talks of sharks that shape-shift and roam everywhere. Hawaiian mythology includes a shark god Kamohoalii whom it is believed would guide lost boats home after they fed it Kava. For these reasons shark tattoos for men who live in these islands and believe in this mythology are common and are valued by their culture.
Symbolism
The shark is a deadly creature, and invokes much symbolism amongst humans. The main trait a shark carries is fearlessness, so many people who feel that describes them perfectly will have the shark tattooed on them. Other traits associated with sharks are aggression, power, strength, insight, and curiosity. Just because someone has a shark tattooed on them doesn’t necessarily mean they are showing that they’re aggressive and strong, it can also be attributed with clear vision and intelligence, which sharks use effectively to hunt down their prey.
Variations
Of course there is not just one type of shark. Many different sharks can have different meanings. For example, a hammerhead shark is seen as a protector, believed to have shielded men from the deadly creatures in the ocean. Having this tattooed can mean you are a good guardian and are always watching over someone. The Great White Shark is the ruthlessly efficient shark that is commonly seen in movies as the human killer, and can often symbolise being at the top of the food chain. Of course, many cartoon sharks are loved and remembered through ink, much like Shark Tale’s Lenny.
Obviously each shark tattoo for men has its own distinct and personal meaning, but the above are just a few ideas of why many people choose to get sharks inked.
Check out the best shark tattoos for men
Here's a colorful cartoon shark tattoo for men. Although sharks are considered ferocious and aggressive, the tattoo artist waters down their terrifying nature with an eyeglass, a splash of color and a funky hat. And although this design depicts a playful nature, it could also be used to caution against a deadly underlying persona.
This image shows a hammerhead skillfully inked on the entire torso incorporating different variations of art. You can tell that the shading is professional because you can almost feel the wild rhythm of the tattoo.
This is an impressive shark tattoo idea that combines the realistic appeal of a ferocious shark and their aggressive yet fascinating trait. The tattoo is often worn to symbolize efficiency, ruthlessness, and cleverness.
Bold, fierce and edgy, the Maori tribal shark tattoos are often worn by men to symbolize their strong connection with nature. Note that each pattern in the tattoo bears a specific meaning.
A tribal shark seems to glide across the man’s back-arm with intent to wrap his bicep, creating a fascinating piece of art. The placement of the tattoo at the back of the arm further heightens the detailed nature of the tattoo.
Note how graphic the boat and the shark appear. The shading and choice of color are also on point as you can actually feel the fierceness of the shark. If you are looking for a tattoo that tells an interesting yet gory story, then this is it.
This tattoo idea depicts a portrait of a shark inked in detail on a man’s shoulder and biceps. Note that sharks are considered powerful predators and embody several traits including fearlessness and intelligence.
One of the more unique shark tattoo ideas on the forearm. A simple but unique anatomical shark tattoo speaks volumes of the wearer’s distinct personality. Striking and unlike other styles of tattooing, this anatomical tattoo reveals what’s lies under the skin of the ultimate predator.
This tattoo depicts an image of an animated tiger shark striking a ferocious pose. The wearer places the tattoo on the arm since the elongated body of the creature allows for much creativity. Also, the contrast looks fabulous.
This design is small but it's one of the most badass shark tattoo ideas. Who says you need a huge piece of ink to make a profound effect? The tiny shark tattoo paired with an equally tiny anchor tattoo on the thumbs tell of the wearer’s strength and stability as symbolized by the anchor, and their powerful and relentless psyche as symbolized by the shark.
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Not everyone wants a large visible shark tattoo for everyone to see; besides this simple wrist shark tattoo idea makes a big impact what with its elaborate design and thoughtful placement.
Elaborate and large, this tribal shark tattoo idea is an excellent choice for side body tattoos. The extended body of the shark allows guys to incorporate different patterns while covering the entire side torso.
A highly-detailed Maori shark tattoo is skillfully placed on the inner side of the forearm perhaps as a symbol of protection. Needless to say, shark tattoo ideas represent the powerful indomitable spirit of the fish.
If you're looking for tribal shark tattoo ideas, this one is definitely for you. Classy and clearly attractive, this tribal shark tattoo features the conventional shapes of a Maori tattoo and looks especially appealing on the length of the arm.
One of the most badass head shark tattoo ideas. How cool is this? First of all, the shark’s skin looks almost real, not to mention the shading and the coloring which are stunning! Secondly, the placement is strange yet bold and impressive.
Simple yet vivid, this Maori hammerhead shark tattoo leaves nothing to chance. The variation of details in every aspect of the tattoo is so clear that even the small, fang-like teeth have razor-sharp authenticity.
When tribal meets shark, the results are bound to be striking and overpowering. Needless to say, the attention to detail in this work of art is amazing, not only are the various lines and curves well-designed, but the shading is also worth noticing.
Here’s an interesting shark tattoo design: it shows a shark entering on one hand and exiting on the other. You’ve got to admire the creativity that went into this piece of art.
Colorful, gracious and fun, this incredible shark tattoo lends a cheery atmosphere to what would have otherwise been frightening and aggressive. Plus, the shading makes it seem as though the sharks are popping off the skin. Cool!
Grisly with just the right touch of creepy, this animated shark tattoo idea has a lot of imagery going on. Notice how the shark’s mouth is covered in blood as it bears its sharp teeth in a show of intimidation.
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Designed to give an impressive three-dimensional appearance; the artist used excellent shading and coloring to create this life-like tattoo art.
Here’s an interesting design for a shark tattoo; the image shows a man out in the sea surfing about to be attacked by a shark. The combination of colors and attention to details make for a fascinating tattoo idea.
A slice of sea life on your chest complete with a life-like shark makes for a rather impressive tattoo. Notice the calm and peace that penetrates your psyche as you stare at the tattoo.
Needless to say, this shark tattoo is quite graphic and captures the fear that sharks evoke in people perfectly. With its sharp teeth bared, the shark seems to be in full speed, swimming right up to its victim.
Featuring exquisite geometrical designs, this tribal hammerhead tattoo is the perfect choice for a symbolic back tattoo. Note that the teeth of the shark are incorporated into the pattern to symbolize the power and might of the creature.
A shark appears in an upright position, with evidently great attention to detail given to its snout, eye, nostrils and gill slits. The shark's entire body is covered in lustrous black, grey, and white tones with its mouth stained in red.
Fantastic work of art shows in this colorful painting-like image that creates one of the best tattoos ideas. Two huge sharks swim along a number of small fishes amidst a backdrop of the blue sea that's smeared in red blood.
Mouth open and numerous sharp teeth with blood stains shown bare, a shark speeds up in an upright position. It's fascinating large form emerges within the vivid blue waters and marine life surrounding it, as depicted in this thrilling tattoo.
Arriving in black and white, yet holds beauty beyond color-splashed tattoo ideas for men, this shark tattoo leaves a striking impression. The huge fish carries a heavy anchor in its mouth while it swims away from a lighthouse enveloped in dark clouds.
Awe-inspiring with a realistic look and majestic view of the sea, three sharks make up this shark tattoo for men. They swim freely with blood-stained mouths above rocks and coral reefs that have been intricately inked across the left chest and shoulder down to the arm.
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Dazzling, captivating, this big fish gone insane stands out as one of the most amazing shark tattoo ideas. It's mouth is open wide and splurged in the water as it gushes in the clear blue sea, where a human skull is seen right below.
Hammerhead sharks swim among vast fishes of the blue sea in this artistic design. Their bodies are beautifully contoured from the flattened head bearing the eye way out towards the side, the gill slits, down to the tip of the caudal fin.
A shark as real as ever appears tremendous and thrilling in this remarkable tattoo. The large body of the fish arrives in artistically camouflaged form from snout to dorsal and pectoral fins to the caudal fin, perfectly blended in the blue backdrop of the sea.
Pattern, shapes and colors complement each other in this unique shark tattoos idea. The form of a hammerhead shark is gracefully filled with different shades that gives off iridescence, with its flat skull head resting in a round yellow backdrop with a dotted style.
The fishes of the sea are majestic, with each their own distinctive characteristics and features. A white shark and brown sea turtle blends perfectly together in this majestic image of the sea, with schools of fishes swimming all around them.
A hammerhead shark is intricately illustrated down to the last detail. The flat head with an eye at the outermost side is sprawled on the chest with the mouth bearing sharp teeth right at the center, and body extending downwards to the hip.
The massive form of a shark is ready to attack with its mouth open wide, revealing a terrifying depth past its countless sharp teeth. A city resting at the bottom of the sea is seen in the backdrop with rays of light shining upon a lifelike human heart.
Shining through this impressive tattoo is a great white shark with a blood-stained mouth in attack form, open at its widest and ready to snap shut upon catching prey. A black tribal lining at the bottom of the image enhances the overall design.
Found on half the chest and extending to the shoulder is a part of the deep blue sea in a tattoo exhibiting depth and a realistic-looking shark. Its elegant and graceful body flows in the water gloriously with the rays of the sun in the background.
One of the most attractive shark tattoos of all is this work of art inked on the side of the neck. A lustrous grey colored shark streaked in red shades with glossy round eyes and big gritted teeth swims across splashing waters.
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Curly, dark storm clouds extends rays of lightning towards the sea, where a shark emerges in a fierce attack position from the flowing blue waves. It's mouth is lined with teeth that are tinted with red while its eyes are glowing yellow.
Masculinity is exhibited in this shark tattoos for guys with the strong and fierce image of the huge fish. Big, round black eyes and sharp teeth are prominent, while its slender body form blends gracefully amidst the ornately crafted waves.
The contour of a hammerhead shark is drawn with skillful hands to follow every curve from head to tail. Different shades in hues blend together with the eyes in yellow, gills and fins in red, and the shark's body in shiny grey.
Many guys prefer the shark tattoo design for its significant strength and superior power. This black and white illustration is bold and daring with the fish withstanding big and strong waves of the sea, complemented by the solid and sturdy anchor.
Plunging downwards into the water is a bulky shark, with blood that's probably from its prey running from its mouth. The image is given life as the fish is filled with grey colors, vibrant and fresh red highlights, and bright blue waters of the sea.
The fierce image of the shark is artistically portrayed in this tattoo comprised of varying lines, curves, and patterns. A yellow-eyed shark shoots its way through layers of big curls of waves, with an open mouth displaying depth within a circular pattern.
Red-eyed with matching red-stained gritted teeth, a shark lunges forward with its long body with the tail gracefully curved at the back. The simple design is cute and highly attractive, filled with the rich texture of black, brown, and orange hues.
Drawn on the body is a gracefully curled shark tattoo, with lines, curves, color, and patterns altogether complementing each other. The shark is the king of the water, and the fish is rightfully given elegance and astounding beauty in this exquisite design with a modern look.
The massive vicious fish of the sea engages in battle within the raving waters. A large shark fights the tides with all its might while two skeleton figures are likewise ready to attack and fight back despite their relatively small size.
This tattoo design looks much like a painting with its admirable artistic theme even though the picture is inked in black and white. It features a ship sailing in the sea, with a tremendous bloodthirsty shark waiting in the water.