The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is a large mackerel shark which can be found in the coastal surface waters of all the major oceans. It is notable for its size, with the largest preserved female specimen measuring 5.83 m (19.1 ft) in length and around 2,000 kg (4,410 lb) in weight at maturity. However, most are smaller; males measure 3.4 to 4.0 m (11 to 13 ft), and females measure 4.6 to 4.9 m (15 to 16 ft) on average.
The great white shark is an apex predator, as it has no known natural predators other than, on very rare occasions, the orca. It is arguably the world's largest-known extant macropredatory fish, and is one of the primary predators of marine mammals, up to the size of large baleen whales. This shark is also known to prey upon a variety of other marine animals, including fish, and seabirds. It is the only known surviving species of its genus Carcharodon, and is responsible for more recorded human bite incidents than any other shark.
Great whites are torpedo-shaped with powerful tails that can propel them through the water at up to 56 km/h (35 mph). They have a large head with a short snout and a wide mouth filled with rows of sharp teeth. The teeth are triangular in shape and serrated on the edges, which helps them to tear flesh from their prey.
Great whites are found in coastal waters all over the world, but they are most common in temperate and tropical regions. They are typically found near the surface of the water, but they can dive to depths of up to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet).
Great whites are solitary animals, but they will sometimes gather in groups at feeding areas. They are active during the day and night, and they are known to migrate long distances.
Great whites are carnivores and their diet consists mainly of marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions, and dolphins. They will also eat fish, seabirds, and other sharks. Great whites are apex predators, which means that they are at the top of the food chain.
Great whites are an important part of the marine ecosystem. They help to control populations of marine mammals, which can otherwise become overpopulated and damage the ecosystem. Great whites are also a popular tourist attraction, and they can be seen in aquariums and wildlife parks around the world.
Great whites are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. There are thought to be fewer than 3,500 great whites left in the wild. The main threats to great whites are overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect great whites. These efforts include creating protected areas, reducing fishing, and educating people about the importance of great whites. With continued conservation efforts, great whites can be protected from extinction.
Here are some additional facts about great white sharks:
Great whites are the largest predatory fish in the world.
Great whites are apex predators, which means that they are at the top of the food chain.
Great whites are an important part of the marine ecosystem.
Great whites are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect great whites.
