Temperature: Great whites prefer temperate waters with temperatures ranging from 12-24°C (54-75°F). This is because they are ectotherms, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
Depth: Great whites are pelagic sharks, meaning they live in the open ocean and often inhabit waters of varying depths. However, they tend to be found in coastal areas and near the ocean floor where their prey is most abundant.
Food Availability: Great whites are apex predators and require a diverse and abundant food supply. Their diet consists primarily of marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions, and dolphins, but they also feed on fish, sea turtles, and other sharks.
Reproductive Habitat: Female great white sharks are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. They require shallow coastal waters with abundant prey and suitable nursery areas for their pups to grow and develop.
Other Key Factors:
* Salinity: Great whites need saltwater environments.
* Visibility: They prefer clear waters that allow them to see their prey.
* Currents: Strong currents can help them move efficiently and find food.
* Protection from predators: As apex predators, they don't have many predators themselves, but they do need areas where they can hide and ambush prey.
In summary, great white sharks need a habitat with temperate waters, a variety of depths, abundant food, clear visibility, and areas for reproduction. These factors are essential for their survival and continued success as a species.