Save Our Sharks - Great White Shark

Common Names: Great White Shark, White Shark, White Pointer

Scientific Name: Carcharodon carcharias

Size: Av. 4-5m. Max size 6.5m

Found: Worldwide along continental margins of temperate and some tropical seas.

Population Status: Vulnerable to Extinction (IUCN 2007)

Tooth Shape:

Great White teeth are triangular in shape with serrated edges for tearing.

Reproduction:

Ovoviviparous

Egg sacs develop and hatch inside the mother, young are then born live.

Females can give birth to 7-9 pups measuring around 1.5m at birth.

It is thought that Great White Sharks only give birth 4-6 times during their life.

Juveniles can take 10-12 years to reach maturity.

Interesting Facts:

Great White Sharks can reach speeds of up to 25mph and can weigh up to 3 tonne.

Great Whites can have around 3000 teeth at any one time.

After a large meal, a Great White can go without food for up to 2 months.