ExploreFish

Great White Shark

Carcharias carcharias

The Great White Shark is a large and powerful fish known for its size and strength. They are often seen in the ocean!

Habitat: Open ocean

Appearance

The Great White Shark has a powerful, torpedo-shaped body with a dark grey top and a stark white belly, offering perfect camouflage. Its large, triangular dorsal fin and crescent-shaped tail make it instantly recognizable from other sharks.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassElasmobranchiiOrderLamniformesFamilyLamnidaeGenusCarcharodon

Great White Shark

Interesting facts

Great White Sharks can actually lift their heads out of the water to look around.

Their skin is covered in tiny, tooth-like scales called dermal denticles, making it rough.

These amazing sharks are one of the ocean's oldest living predators, existing for millions of years.

They replace thousands of razor-sharp teeth throughout their lifetime!

Special abilities

Great White Sharks have a dark grey back and white belly that helps them blend with the ocean from above or below.

Great White Sharks possess an incredible sense of smell that helps them locate even a tiny trace of blood from miles away.

Measurements & details

Length: 400-600 cm
Weight: 680-1100 kg
Lifespan: 40-70 years
Swim Speed: 40 km/h
Max Depth: 1200 m
Water Type: Saltwater

Diet & Feeding

Top ocean predators, Great White Sharks eat marine mammals like seals and fish.

Age differences: Young sharks eat mostly fish, while adults prefer larger, energy-rich marine mammals.

Primary Foods

seals
sea lions
small whales
tuna
rays
other sharks

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

California Sea Lion

Zalophus californianus

A primary food source in many coastal habitats.

hunts

Harbor Seal

Phoca vitulina

Often ambushed by sharks near their coastal rookeries.

eaten by

Killer Whale

Orcinus orca

Young or smaller sharks can be prey for killer whales.

symbiotic with

Whitefin Sharksucker

Echeneis naucrates

Remoras attach to sharks for transport and to eat scraps.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Solitary

Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.

Ambush Predator

Meet masters of surprise! These clever hunters hide quietly and wait patiently for their prey to come close before pouncing with a quick move.

Carnivorous

Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.

Aquatic

Discover amazing creatures that call water their home, whether it's oceans, rivers, or lakes! These habitats are full of incredible life.

Marine

Dive into the vast, salty waters of the ocean, teeming with an incredible diversity of life, from tiny plankton to giant whales! It's a watery wonderland.