Fin's Fish Guide
The Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is a brackish-water fish of the family Lamnidae that grows up to 640 cm.
Description
The great white shark is a large mackerel shark (Lamnidae) occurring worldwide in cool and temperate coastal waters and the open sea. The species can grow to about 6 metres and has a powerful, torpedo-shaped body with a grey back and white belly and a mouth with large, serrated, triangular teeth. Thanks to a partly warm-blooded system it can hunt swiftly and powerfully in cold water. As an apex predator it hunts marine mammals, fishes and other sharks. It is viviparous and, owing to fishing, vulnerable. It is a potentially dangerous shark that can inflict serious to fatal bite wounds.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Great white shark?
The Great white shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Partly warm-blooded apex predator with serrated teeth; potentially dangerous to humans.
Where does the Great white shark live?
The Great white shark lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Worldwide in cool and temperate coastal waters and open sea.
How big does the Great white shark get?
The Great white shark grows to a maximum of about 640 cm.
Is the Great white shark dangerous to humans?
The Great white shark can cause injury; handle it with care. This is a predatory shark that can inflict a serious bite wound; keep your distance, calmly leave the water if it is present, and never handle a caught animal without experience. In case of a bite, stop severe bleeding immediately and call emergency services.
Is the Great white shark edible?
The Great white shark is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Great white shark and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Lamnidae
Want the complete picture on the Great white shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Great white shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.