Great white shark

Presentation

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

The great white shark has rough skin colored grey to blue-grey, with a contrasting white belly. Its conical snout, black eyes, and powerful jaws lined with sharp triangular teeth make it immediately recognizable. Its triangular dorsal fin is a distinctive signature visible at the water's surface.

Characteristics

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

Habitat and distribution

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

Behaviour

The great white shark is an active swimmer and migratory, undertaking long transoceanic journeys. Generally solitary, it can also form temporary groups around a carcass. It is a strategic hunter that often attacks from the depths by rapidly ascending toward its prey. It is partially homeothermic, slightly regulating its body temperature for better muscle performance.

Reproduction

The great white shark reproduces slowly, reaching sexual maturity around 12 to 16 years old. It practices ovoviviparity: eggs hatch in the mother's uterus and young remain there until 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 possesses an extraordinary sensory system: electroreceptors (Ampullae of Lorenzini) capable of detecting tiny electrical fields produced by muscle contractions of its prey. It also has exceptional smell, able to detect a drop of blood from several kilometers away. These abilities make it a practically 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, destruction of coastal habitats, reduction of marine mammal populations, and climate change also impact its survival chances. Its slow reproduction does not allow it to recover quickly after decline.

References

UICN — Liste rouge des espèces menacées

Profile updated 08 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Vulnerable (VU)

IUCN source, latest published assessment.

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