Do great white sharks drink water?

Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) do drink water, but not in the same way that humans and other mammals do. Sharks have a specialized organ called the rectal gland that helps them regulate their salt balance. When they drink seawater, the rectal gland removes the excess salt and retains the water. This process allows sharks to maintain their internal salt levels, which are higher than those of the ocean.

Great white sharks are also able to absorb water through their skin. When they swim, water passes over their gills and is absorbed into their bloodstream. This process helps sharks stay hydrated, especially when they are in deep water where there is less oxygen available.