Great White Shark
Carcharodon carcharias
Also known as: White Shark, White Pointer, White Death
The Great White Shark is the world's largest predatory fish and one of the most powerful hunters in the ocean. Despite their fearsome reputation, great whites are intelligent, curious animals that play a vital role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.
Max Size
20 feet (6.1 m)
Lifespan
70+ years
Depth
0-1,200 meters
Water Type
saltwater
Scientific Classification
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Lamniformes
- Family
- Lamnidae
- Species
- Carcharodon carcharias
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat
Distribution
Behavior
Great White Sharks are apex predators that use ambush tactics to hunt seals, sea lions, and fish. They are known for their curious nature, often investigating objects by bumping or biting them. Despite media portrayal, unprovoked attacks on humans are rare.
Reproduction
Great whites are ovoviviparous, meaning eggs hatch inside the mother. Gestation lasts 12-18 months, and females give birth to 2-14 pups. Pups are about 5 feet long at birth and immediately independent.
Conservation Status
Main Threats
- Overfishing
- Bycatch
- Shark finning
- Habitat degradation
- Climate change
🎉 Fun Facts
- Great whites can detect a single drop of blood in 25 gallons of water
- They can swim up to 35 mph in short bursts
- Their teeth are replaced continuously throughout their lives
- They can breach completely out of the water when hunting seals
- Great whites have been known to live over 70 years
