Animals & Nature
Great White Shark
The great white shark is a large, wide-ranging ocean predator found mainly in temperate and subtropical seas around the world.
The great white shark is a large predatory fish found in temperate and subtropical seas worldwide. Its streamlined body, powerful tail, highly developed senses, and triangular serrated teeth help it hunt animals including fish, seals, sea lions, squid, and other sharks.
White sharks can migrate across entire ocean basins and may live for seventy years or longer. NOAA reports adults reaching up to about 21 feet and 4,500 pounds, although most are smaller. Slow growth and late maturity make the species vulnerable to human-caused threats such as bycatch and overfishing.
Quick facts
- The great white shark's scientific name is Carcharodon carcharias.
- The species occurs in temperate and subtropical seas worldwide.
- NOAA reports a maximum adult length of about 21 feet and a weight of up to 4,500 pounds.
- White sharks can live for seventy years or longer.
- They can detect weak electrical fields produced by living animals.
A surprising fact
A tracked white shark completed a journey from South Africa to Australia, one of the longest recorded migrations by a fish.