Facts About the Great White Shark

The Great White Shark (scientific name Carcharodon carcharias) is the most studied of all sharks. There are over 350 species of sharks but none has been more feared than the Great White. Although such films as 'Jaws' show the Great White as a ferocious man eater, this particular species is not really too partial to the taste of a swimmer. In fact the Great White shark often mistakes swimmers for one of its favorite foods which is the seal. For instance a surfer thrashing around on a surfboard in the sea, to a Great White Shark will look like an injured seal. National Geographic who write about shark attacks on there website state:

"Of the 100-plus annual shark attacks worldwide, fully one-third to one-half are attributable to great whites. However, most of these are not fatal, and new research finds that great whites, who are naturally curious, are "sample biting" then releasing their victims rather than preying on humans. It's not a terribly comforting distinction, but it does indicate that humans are not actually on the great white's menu."

The Great White has over 3000 teeth which are used efficiently to eat it unfortunate prey. It has a streamlined body which makes the shark an amazing swimmer, making it able to surprise its prey with speed and agility. If the Great White is well enough fed it can actually go for up to two months without food.

Contrary to how its name suggests the Great White Shark has actually got a gray to blue gray upper body and a white belly. It is also one of the large of the shark family at an average length of 12-16 feet long. One record Great White had a recorded length of 23ft, which weighed in at around 3,200 kg.

Females of the species are larger than males, once they have mated and give birth she will squeeze out a pup that is usually 5ft in length.

Great Whites can be spotted in a lot of places round the world, from the east coast of the USA and the Gulf coast; Japan and the east coast of China; New Zealand and the Mediterranean Sea. they have also been found to swim in the waters of south Russia; Scandinavia; South and West Africa; South America and Hawaii.

Although a lot is known about the Great White Shark, it is still reluctant to give up a lot of information about itself. Scientists studying the worlds biggest carnivorous fish are still trying to solve some of the mysteries about these solitary predators as suggested on the 'Extreme Science' website.