The great white shark, also commonly known as the white shark or great white, is a large mackerel shark that can be found in the coastal surface waters of all the major oceans. It is the only known surviving species of its genus, Carcharodon.
Adult great white sharks are massive, with an average length of 14-18 feet (4.3-5.5 metres) and a weight of 4,200-5,200 pounds (1,900-2,400 kilogrammes). The largest great white shark ever measured was a female captured off Nova Scotia in 1949. It was 31 feet (9.4 metres) long and weighed an estimated 12 short tonnes (10.9 tonnes).
Great white sharks have a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with a pointed snout and large pectoral fins. Their backs are usually dark grey, blue, or brown, and their undersides are white. This coloration, known as countershading, helps them camouflage themselves from prey and predators alike.
Great white sharks are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. They have a varied diet that includes fish, seals, sea lions, dolphins, and even whales. They are known for their powerful jaws and serrated teeth, which can tear through flesh and bone.
Great white sharks are an important part of the marine ecosystem. They help to keep populations of prey animals in check and play a role in nutrient cycling. However, great white sharks are themselves vulnerable to threats such as habitat loss and overfishing. They are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
21 май 2024