Great White SharkPhotos, Pictures, Prints

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Carcharodon carcharias

The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is an exceptionally large shark that lives in coastal surface waters. Reaching lengths of more than 20 ft (6 m) and weighing up to 5,000 lb (2,250 kg), the great white is the world’s largest predatory fish.

Great white sharks enjoys waters between 54-75 F (12-24 C). For that reason, these sharks live in the greatest concentrations off the southern coasts of Australia, South Africa, California, and Mexico‘s Isla Guadalupe.

Like several other sharks, great whites display countershading. That means they have a white underside and a grey dorsal area. This gives them an overall “mottled” appearance.

The coloration makes it difficult for prey to spot the shark because it breaks up the shark’s outline. When viewed from above, the darker shade blends in with the sea. When seen from below, the coloring casts a minimal silhouette against the sunlight.

Great whites, like many other sharks, have rows of teeth behind the main ones, allowing any teeth that break off to be rapidly replaced. Furthermore, a great white shark’s teeth are serrated. So when the shark bites, it will shake its head side to side and the teeth will act as a saw and tear off large chunks of flesh.

Despite all this, great whites are amazing subjects. The best locations to photograph these animals include Guadalupe Island, Mexico with liveaboard dive operators, and in South Africa.

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