- Size: Great white sharks are one of the largest sharks, with an average length of 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters). Some individuals can grow up to 23 feet (7 meters) long.
- Coloration: Their dorsal side is dark gray or brown, while their underside is white. This coloration provides them with camouflage, helping them blend with the ocean floor and ambush their prey.
- Senses: Great white sharks have exceptional senses. Their eyes are adapted for low light conditions, allowing them to see effectively in deep waters. They also possess a keen sense of smell, capable of detecting blood and other chemical scents from miles away.
- Teeth: Great white sharks have powerful jaws and rows of sharp, triangular teeth that can measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. They can exert a bite force of up to 4,000 pounds per square inch (280 kilograms per square centimeter).
- Diet: Great white sharks are apex predators at the top of the food chain. They feed on a variety of prey, including seals, sea lions, dolphins, fish, turtles, and even other sharks.
- Hunting Strategies: Great white sharks use various hunting strategies to catch prey. They often ambush their victims from below, launching sudden and powerful attacks. They may also breach the water to reach seals and sea lions resting on ice floes or ledges.
- Migration: Great white sharks are known for their long-distance migrations. They have been tracked traveling thousands of miles across oceans, likely following food sources or in search of more suitable habitats.
- Reproduction: Great white sharks are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. Females produce litters of 2 to 10 pups every two to three years. The gestation period is approximately 11 to 18 months.
- Conservation Status: Great white sharks are considered a vulnerable species due to several threats, including overfishing, habitat loss, and marine pollution. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their populations and ensure the survival of this remarkable species.