Great white sharks
The ocean's most famous predator, the great white shark is known for its powerful senses and impressive size. Despite its frightening film image, attacks on people are extremely rare.
- Comprimento
- 3,4–6,1 m
- Peso
- 0,5–1,9 t
- Longevidade na natureza
- 50–70 anos
- Estado de conservação (UICN)
- Vulnerável (VU)
Valores aproximados para adultos; variam com o sexo, a subespécie e a população.
Num relance
Os factos principais sobre Tubarões-brancos.
Em detalhe
Em resumo
- The great white is one of the world's largest predatory fish.
- Its main prey are seals, sea lions and large fish.
- Females are larger than males.
- It can migrate thousands of kilometres across oceans.
- The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable; overfishing and bycatch are the biggest threats.
The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is a large shark with a dark grey back and a white belly. This two-tone colouring helps it blend with the dark water when seen from above and with the bright surface when seen from below.
Where does it live?
It is found worldwide in temperate and cool coastal waters. South Africa, Australia, California and Mexico are among the best-known areas. It has also been recorded in the Mediterranean, where it is rare.
What does it eat?
Young great whites mostly eat fish and rays. Adults also hunt marine mammals such as seals and sea lions and may feed on whale carcasses. They usually approach prey from below with a fast rush.
Behaviour and social life
Great whites mostly hunt alone. Satellite tagging has shown that some individuals migrate thousands of kilometres between oceans. A keen sense of smell that detects tiny amounts of blood and special sense organs that feel electric fields in the water help them find prey.
Young
Females do not lay eggs; the pups develop inside the mother and are independent at birth. Great whites mature late and have few young, so their populations recover slowly.
Conservation status
The great white is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. Targeted fishing, entanglement in nets set for other fish (bycatch) and the fin trade are the main threats. It is legally protected in many countries.
Fun facts
- Sharks replace their teeth throughout life; a lost tooth is replaced by a new one.
- Humans are not natural prey; most rare bites are thought to be cases of mistaken identity.
- Some individuals are estimated to live for around 70 years.
Animais semelhantes
Outros animais do mesmo grupo.
Respeito pela natureza, amanhãs mais fortes
Proteger a vida selvagem é responsabilidade de todos.
Se encontrar um animal selvagem ferido ou uma cria, não lhe toque e avise a autoridade local de conservação da natureza. Mais conhecimento, mais consciência.
- Respeite os habitats naturais
- Observe os animais à distância
- Não deixe lixo na natureza
- Apoie um futuro sustentável
