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Great white shark

(Carcharadon carcharias)

Great whites are the largest predatory shark on Earth.

Often described as the ultimate shark, the great white shark is a powerful apex predator. When hunting, they rely on the element of surprise, ambushing their prey from below. They are warm-blooded fish, which allows them to swim faster and for longer than cold-blooded sharks of similar size.

Size: Weight: 3,300kg Length: 6.4m

Lifespan: 70+ years

Diet: Seals, sea lions, dolphins, fish such as rays and other sharks

Distribution: They're found mostly in temperate waters and range from Southeast Alaska to California in the Pacific.

Journey to Monterey Bay:

  • Our great whites have arrived at the bay from Hawaii and Los Angeles as part of their two year migration.

You may not know...

  • Great whites are the largest predatory shark on Earth.
  • They can communicate to each other with intricate body language.
  • They give birth to live young.

More on the animals around Monterey Bay