Great White Shark
(Pic: by Terry Goss)
Great White Sharks are the world’s largest predatory fish. These mostly solitary creatures belong to the Mackerel Shark group and are named for their white underbellies. ‘Great Whites’ are found in cool coastal surface waters all around Australia and range between 4-6 m and can weigh over 2 000 kg. Their upper bodies are grey which helps camouflage them on the sea floor and they feature almost 3 000 teeth! Their diet consists mainly of fish, seals, small whales & carrion. These are naturally curious creatures and human attacks, which average 2 per year worldwide, are believed to often be due to ‘sample biting’. Sharks have several acutely developed senses including smell, sight and being able to detect vibrations and electrical fields emanating from their prey. Over fishing, hunting and polluted habitats have all contributed to the species being classified as endangered.

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