There are over 500 described species of sharks currently known, spread across eight to thirteen orders depending on classification schemes

. Some sources note around 450 to 557 described species, with additional undescribed species possibly bringing the total higher

. More broadly, when including rays and related cartilaginous fishes, the total number of species exceeds 1,000

. Shark species continue to be discovered regularly, with about 25% of all cartilaginous fishes named in the past 15 years alone

. In summary:

• Approximately 500 to 557 described shark species exist today.
• Including undescribed species, the number may be slightly higher.
• Over 1,000 species of sharks and rays combined are known.
• New species are still being discovered regularly.

This diversity reflects sharks' long evolutionary history and their ecological importance in marine ecosystems worldwide