The Super Predator Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) Observing Seal Colony near Geyser Rock (00016523)

Description: The Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) crosses the water close to Geyser Rock and Dyer Island off the South African coast. African penguins, cormorants, many other seabirds, and a large colony of South African fur seals live here. The surface hunter often finds its prey on the water surface. The super predator, the Great White Shark, with its size, strength, and fearsome 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 weighed an estimated 1500 kg. When launching a surprise attack from the depths, they accelerate so fast that they occasionally breach 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 notorious and dreaded. 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 apex predator of the food chain and plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance in the ocean. Little is known about their behavior and habitat. The Great White Shark has remained almost unchanged for millions of years and has optimally adapted to its environment. However, there is a threat of human-induced extinction.

Location: Western Cape, , South Africa

Date of Capture: 27.07.2004