The largest Great White Shark ever caught had a length of 6.4 meters and an estimated weight of 1500 kg. He was caught off Cuba in the 1940s. (00010386)

Description: The Great White Shark, also known as Carcharodon carcharias, crosses the waters near 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-robber Great White Shark with its size, strength, and fearsome jaws is a constant danger to the South African fur seals around Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. The Great White Shark belongs to the mackerel shark family and has very large gill slits and long pectoral fins. The largest Great White Shark ever caught had a length of 6.4 meters and an estimated weight of 1500 kg. In surprise attacks from the depths, they accelerate so fast that they sometimes shoot out of the water. The jaws of the Great White Shark with their sharp triangular teeth in the upper jaw and the pointed teeth in the lower jaw are notorious and dreaded. To catch larger prey, the upper jaw is movable and can be pushed forward. Lost or damaged teeth are replaced without any problem for a lifetime. The Great White Shark is the top predator in the food chain and plays an important role in conserving the ecological balance in the ocean. There is very little known about their behavior and habitat. The Great White Shark has existed almost unchanged for millions of years and has optimally adapted to its environment. But now there is a danger that it will be exterminated by us humans.

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

Date of Capture: 10.07.2002