This study investigates on the use of shark skin surface in improving the aerodynamic performance of the aero foil. A biomimetic investigation of the shark-skin-inspired surface grooves is conducted on the NACA 2412 aero foil intended with ‘C’-shaped grooves on the upper surface of aero foil. NACA 2412 aero foil with and without surface alterations based on shark-skin-inspired features is used. Numerical and experimental investigations are carried out at various angles of attack (0°–15°) in a constant free stream velocity of 15 m/s to understand the effect of upper aero foil surface with ‘C’-shaped grooves on the aerodynamic performance namely coefficients of lift and drag. The aero foil modeled on the shark-skin-inspired surface alterations lowers the drag coefficient compared to the aero foil with smooth surface. Overall, the shark-skin-inspired surface grooves reduced the drag by around 50% in contrast to the smooth surfaced aero foil.