Overview

Great white sharks are large, powerful predators with a distinctive torpedo-shaped body. They belong to the Lamnidae family, which also includes the mako shark and the salmon shark. Great whites are easily distinguished from other sharks by their massive size, reaching up to 20 feet in length, and their iconic white underside. They also have a distinctive dorsal fin that is tall and triangular, and a crescent-shaped tail fin.  

Commonly found in:

1. Australia
2. South Africa
3. United States
4. Mexico
5. New Zealand
6. Chile
7. Brazil
8. Japan
9. Cuba
10. Portugal
11. Spain
12. France
13. Italy
14. Canada
15. Argentina

Over the past 123 years, there have been 669 recorded attacks by Great White Sharks. Of these attacks, they have occurred at sea and at the following beaches:

• LIST OF BEACHES HERE

Size and Weight

• Size: Males average between 11-13 feet when mature; females average between 15-16 feet when mature
• Weight: Males typically weigh 1,500-2,400 pounds; females typically weigh 2,000-2,500 pounds
• Swimming speed: Both sexes can reach speeds of 35 mph in short bursts

Interaction with Humans

• Interaction with Humans: Rare attacks, often exploratory bites
• Avoidance: Stay out of known shark areas, avoid swimming at dawn/dusk, don't wear shiny jewelry
• Activity: Most active during dawn, dusk, and night

Lifespan and Diet

• Lifespan: Males live approximately 40-50 years; females live approximately 70-100 years
• Diet: Seals, sea lions, fish, other sharks; hunt by ambush from below

Migratory Patterns

Great White Sharks exhibit extensive migratory patterns throughout the year. They typically start their journey in coastal areas near seal colonies, such as the waters off South Africa, Australia, and California. From these feeding grounds, they undertake long-distance migrations across open oceans. For example, individuals from the eastern Pacific population may travel from California to Hawaii or the "White Shark Café" in the mid-Pacific. Some sharks from South Africa have been tracked moving to Australia and back. In the Atlantic, they migrate between the eastern United States and the Gulf of Mexico. These migrations are often seasonal, with sharks returning to their original coastal feeding grounds after several months in the open ocean.