Carcharadon carcharias
 
Order: Lamniformes

It is hard to overestimate the reputation of the huge and majestic great white shark. One of the great ocean predators, it is the most immediately identifiable shark in the world, thanks to its distinctive and beautiful colouration, its black eyes and its ferocious teeth and jaws, which have adorned magazine covers for decades.

The great white is one of the most widely distributed sharks as it has an unusual ability to keep its body temperature higher than its surroundings, enabling it to survive happily in very cold water. Although rarely seen in most coastal areas, it is often encountered by fishing and diving boats, and is known for its curiosity – great whites will often raise their heads from the water and, more worryingly for humans in the water, explore unfamiliar objects by biting them. Many shark biologists believe that attacks on humans are a result of this exploratory behaviour, which can easily be fatal as a result of the shark’s incredibly sharp teeth and the force of its jaws.
White sharks are responsible for the greatest number of fatal attacks on humans, particularly among surfers and divers. They are declining in numbers and are now protected in many parts of the world. Despite this, they are still regularly hunted for trophies, and an illegal market has arisen trading in the teeth and jaws of these magnificent creatures.

Maximum size: At least 6.1 metres / 1,250kg

Distribution: Everywhere worldwide in temperate and tropical seas.

Diet: Fish (including other sharks), seals, dolphins, whale carcasses, squid, turtles, and sea birds.

Reproduction: Ovoviviparous. Litters between 5 and ten pups. White shark pups are known to eat each other while still inside the mother’s uterus.