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There are three basic types of sharks.

Each shark is specially adapted to succeed in it's chosen environment.  Success for the open water Mackerel Shark is dependent on speed.  There is nowhere to hide, so if the shark can chase down it's prey, the shark gets to eat today.  Success for the reef dwelling Requiem Shark is dependent on maneuverability.  There are many places to hide, so if the shark can out-maneuver it's prey, the shark gets to eat today.  Success for the bottom dwelling Carpet Shark is dependent on stealth and camouflage.  If the shark can blend into the ocean floor and surprise it's prey, the shark gets to eat today.  Let's take a closer look at the specific adaptations of each type of shark.

  

   
Lives in the open water and depends on speed to acquire prey. Lives near reefs and depends on maneuverability to acquire prey. Lives on the sea floor and depends on stealth to acquire prey.
Muscular, Torpedo-Shaped Body with a Cone-Shaped Nose (looks more like a typical fish than other sharks do) Thinner, Streamlined Body with a Flattened Nose (to more easily move the head side-to-side) Flattened Body (to better blend into the bottom landscape)
Rigid, Fish-Like Swimming Style More Sinuous, Eel-Like Swimming Style Eel-Like Swimming Style (with help from undulating Pectoral Fins)
Stout, Fish-Like Pectoral Fins Longer, Wing-Like Pectoral Fins Flattened, Undulating Pectoral Fins (similar to a ray)
Prominent Upper and Lower Tail Fin Lobes (for even thrust) Less Prominent Lower Tail Fin Lobe (further streamlining, to facilitate sinuous swimming style) Nearly Absent Lower Tail Fin Lobe (to better hug the bottom)

  

Grouped along with the "Carpet Sharks" are two very interesting species.  They are not even close to the size of most "Carpet Sharks."  The species I'm referring to are the Whale and Basking Sharks.  These giants grow to about the size of the extinct megalodon shark (nearly 50 feet).  Unlike the megalodon though, the Whale and Basking Sharks are filter feeders.  They swim near the surface with their mouth open, swallowing whatever gets in their way.