Species · GBIF taxon 2420694
Great White Shark
Carcharodon carchariasAlso known as White Shark, White Pointer, Great White
Great white sharks are apex predators of the open ocean, utilizing a specialized circulatory system to keep their muscles warmer than the surrounding water. They patrol coastal and offshore waters, relying on an acute sense of smell and electroreception to locate marine mammals from miles away. Their hunting strategy involves powerful, vertical ambush strikes from below, breaching the surface in spectacular displays of raw power.
Apex PredatorMarineWarm-blooded
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Seals
- Sea Lions
- Tuna
Predators
- Orca
- Humans
ThreatsOverfishing, bycatch, gill nets, and habitat degradation
HabitatsCoastal and offshore temperate and subtropical oceans
Life span70 or more years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLamnidae
- SpeciesCarcharodon carcharias
N. Atlantic S. Atlantic N. Pacific S. Pacific Indian Ocean Mediterranean
Marine distribution — the ocean basins and seas where the species occurs.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- A massive apex predator capable of severe bites; maintain a safe distance and use protective cages for diving.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses immense physical power and rows of serrated teeth that can inflict fatal exploratory or predatory bites.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a robust, torpedo-shaped body with a dark grey upper side, stark white underside, and a large triangular dorsal fin.
- What to do
- Never swim near seal colonies or in murky water where sharks hunt, and exit the water immediately if one is sighted.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by its crescent-shaped tail, black eyes, and five long gill slits located just in front of the pectoral fins.
- Support conservation
- Support marine sanctuaries, report illegal finning, and avoid purchasing any shark-derived products or teeth.
Responsible observation
- Cage Diving: Always use a certified, eco-friendly operator to view these sharks safely.
- Avoid Splashing: Refrain from erratic swimming or splashing in areas known for shark activity.
- Dusk and Dawn: Stay out of the water during low-light hours when sharks actively hunt near shore.
Predator (c) Martín Acosta Albarracín, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Martín Acosta Albarracín · cc-by
Prey 
Close Relative (c) jidanchaomian, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-saClose Relative Close Relative
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