Great white shark

Presentation

The Great white shark is the largest carnivorous fish on the planet, an imposing and fascinating marine predator. With its tapered gray-blue body and characteristic white belly, it embodies power and predatory efficiency. This mythical animal arouses both fear and admiration for its crucial role in marine ecosystems.

Great white shark has rough gray to blue-gray skin, with a sharply contrasting white belly. Its conical nose, black eyes and powerful jaws filled with sharp triangular teeth make it immediately recognizable. Its triangular dorsal fin is a distinctive signature visible on the water surface.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The Great white shark frequents coastal waters and external areas, preferring temperate and tropical waters between 12 and 24°C. It often concentrates near rocky coasts and islands where marine mammals abound. Although migratory, it remains in predictable coastal areas during breeding and feeding seasons.

Behaviour

The Great white shark is an active and migratory swimmer, making long transoceanic journeys. Generally solitary, it can also form temporary groups around carrion. It is a strategic hunter that often attacks from the depths, moving quickly towards its prey. It is partially homeothermal, slightly regulating its body temperature for better muscular performance.

Reproduction

The Great white shark reproduces slowly, reaching sexual maturity at around 12 to 16 years of age. It practices ovoviviparity: the eggs hatch in the maternal uterus and the young remain there until their birth. A female gives birth to 2 to 14 young every two years. This slow reproduction makes the species particularly vulnerable to overfishing.

Peculiarities

The Great white shark has an extraordinary sensory system: electroreceptors (Ampulla of Lorenzini) capable of detecting tiny electric fields produced by the muscular contractions of its prey. He also has an exceptional sense of smell that can detect a drop of blood several kilometers away. These abilities make him a virtually unbeatable hunter.

Threats and conservation

The Great white shark is threatened mainly by intensive fishing, accidental or targeted, for its fins and other products. Marine pollution, the destruction of coastal habitats, the reduction of marine mammal populations and climate change also impact its chances of survival. Its slow reproduction does not allow it to recover quickly after decline.

References

UICN — Liste rouge des espèces menacées

Profile updated 29 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.