The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is one of the most iconic and powerful predators in the ocean. Known for its impressive size and fearsome reputation, the great white shark is a top predator, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems. Adult great whites can grow up to 20 feet in length and weigh over 5,000 pounds, with females typically being larger than males. Their streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies, coupled with powerful tails, enable them to swim at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.

Great white sharks are equipped with several adaptations that make them effective hunters. They have a keen sense of smell, capable of detecting blood in the water from miles away. Additionally, they possess special sensory organs called ampullae of Lorenzini, which allow them to detect the electrical fields generated by the movements of other animals. This ability helps them locate prey even in murky waters. Great white sharks have a mouth filled with about 300 sharp, triangular teeth arranged in multiple rows. As they lose teeth, new ones continuously grow in to replace them, ensuring they always have a formidable set of tools for capturing and consuming prey.

These apex predators primarily feed on a diet of marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions, and dolphins. They also eat fish, including other sharks, and occasionally scavenge on whale carcasses. Great white sharks employ various hunting strategies, including ambush attacks from below and high-speed chases. One of the most dramatic behaviors observed in great whites is breaching, where they launch themselves out of the water to catch seals. This spectacular display of power and agility highlights their prowess as hunters.

Great white sharks are found in coastal and offshore waters of all major oceans, preferring temperate and subtropical regions. They are highly migratory, traveling long distances to follow prey and for breeding purposes. Countries where they are commonly found include the United States (especially California), South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the Mediterranean.