Majestic Great White Shark swimming through green water off the coast of South Africa (00014575)

Description: The Great White Shark, also known as Carcharodon carcharias, crosses the water close to Geyser Rock and Dyer Island off the coast of South Africa. African penguins, cormorants, and a large colony of South African fur seals inhabit this area. The surface hunter often finds its prey on the water surface. The fearsome predator Great White Shark with its size, strength, and intimidating jaws is a constant threat to the South African fur seals around Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. The Great White Shark belongs to the mako shark family and has very large gill slits and long pectoral fins. The largest Great White Shark ever caught measured 6.4 meters in length and had an estimated weight of 1500 kg. When launching a surprise attack from the depths, they accelerate so quickly that they sometimes breach out of the water. The jaws of the Great White Shark with their sharp triangular teeth in the upper jaw and pointed teeth in the lower jaw are infamous and feared. To catch larger prey, the upper jaw is loose and can be pushed forward. Lost or damaged teeth are replaced effortlessly throughout their lifetime. The Great White Shark is the top predator in the food chain and plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance in the ocean. There is very little known about their behavior and habitat. The Great White Shark has remained almost unchanged for millions of years, adapting perfectly to its environment. However, there is now a danger of human extinction.

Location: Western Cape, Gansbaai/Dyer Island, South Africa

Date of Capture: 10.07.2003