Great White Shark
Carcharodon carcharias
- Where
- Temperate and subtropical coastal waters worldwide
- Habitat
- Open ocean, continental shelves, bays, beaches
- Diet
- Fish, seals, sea lions, dolphins, squid, crustaceans
- Size
- Up to 20 feet (6 meters) long, weighing over 5,000 pounds
- Lifespan
- Estimated 50-70 years in wild
- Conservation
- Vulnerable species due to overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change—protected by international laws
Fun Facts
- Great Whites have the strongest bite force of any animal—over 4,000 pounds per square inch!
- Their skin is made of special cells called denticles that reduce drag and help them swim faster.
- They can detect a single drop of blood in 100 liters of water!
Learn More
Counterintuitive white belly helps blend with sunlit surface waters.
Gray back absorbs heat, while pale underside reflects sunlight.
Vertical tail makes sharp turns to catch prey off guard.