Shark Facts

Defender of the Island

Feared animal of the sea

Celebrated predator

Relentless, powerful and intelligent

Sharks lived more than 400 million years ago, 200 million before the dinosaur

Sharks can weight up to 50,000 lbs.

More than 400 species of sharks: diverse

Detect prey 3000 feet away

Powerful jaws can generate up to 40,000 pounds of pressure per square inch

The bite force of a great white is 4000 PSI, four times stronger than a tiger

Long Island University students and alumni made history today by choosing the Shark as the mascot of its expanded NCAA Division I program, which will unite the Brooklyn and Post campuses. Jaws made us fear the shark, and television shows like Shark Tank, Shark Week, and Sharknado are staples of popular culture. Long Island University is the first NCAA Division I program on the East Coast to make the Shark its mascot.LIU teams will compete as Sharks beginning this September. The shark is an animal which embodies strength, resolve, and brilliance, all of which characterize the spirit of LIU and the individuals who comprise our extraordinary University.The Shark was selected as the favorite mascot from among three finalists by a vote of LIU students and alumni. Voting was held from April 23, 2019 through May 14, 2019 with the Shark besting its competitors, the Eagle and Falcon."Long Island University students and alumni took the opportunity to set a distinct path by choosing the fearsome Shark as our mascot," Long Island University Director of Athleticssaid, "As we elevate LIU's campuses into a single, stronger, Division I program, we will join together proudly as Sharks."LIU's united NCAA Division I program builds on a foundation of excellence and tradition. In LIU's history, its teams (LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds and LIU Post Pioneers) have combined for 23 national championships, 215 conference titles, and 362 All-Americans. The colors of the new LIU Sharks will be blue and gold— chosen to honor and unite the traditions of the University.