Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Sharks

Great White Shark

The great white shark (*Carcharodon carcharias*) is a large predatory shark and the only living species in its genus.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

The great white shark (*Carcharodon carcharias*) is the largest living predatory fish, found in temperate and subtropical seas worldwide.

What it is

The great white shark is a large mackerel shark with a torpedo-shaped body and powerful tail. It is the only living species in its genus and is known by several common names, including white shark and white pointer. Adults typically reach 4.3–5.5 m in length, with the largest reliably measured individuals around 6.4 m.

Key details

Great whites feed on fish, rays, seals, sea lions, dolphins, and whale carcasses. Juveniles eat more fish and rays, while adults target larger marine mammals. They can swim at speeds of about 50 km/h and live for 70 years or more. The species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Why it matters

Great white sharks play a key role as apex predators in marine ecosystems. They occur in waters relevant to Canada, including the North Atlantic and northeastern Pacific, and face pressures from fishing and bycatch that contribute to their vulnerable status.

In short

  • Largest living predatory fish, found worldwide in temperate and subtropical seas.
  • Adults reach about 4.3–5.5 m; largest recorded up to 6.4 m.
  • Diet shifts from fish and rays to marine mammals as they mature.
  • Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN; present in Canadian waters.
Canadian angle

Great white sharks occur in the North Atlantic and Pacific, including waters relevant to Canada, especially along the Atlantic coast and in the northeastern Pacific.

Quick questions

How big is a great white shark?
Adults are commonly about 4.3–5.5 m long, and the largest reliably documented individuals reach about 6.4 m.
What do great white sharks eat?
They eat fish, rays, seals, sea lions, dolphins, and sometimes whale carcasses. Juveniles eat more fish and rays, while adults target larger marine mammals.
Are great white sharks endangered?
They are not listed as Endangered; the IUCN classifies them as Vulnerable worldwide.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_white_shark
    Supports: Scientific name, common names, and IUCN Vulnerable status
  2. SeaWorld / United Parks & Resorts — https://seaworld.org/animals/facts/cartilaginous-fish/great-white-shark/
    Supports: Average and maximum size, diet, and conservation status
  3. Smithsonian Ocean — https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/sharks-rays/how-big-are-great-white-sharks
    Supports: Typical length ranges and maximum size
  4. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/great-white-shark
    Supports: Average lifespan, size, and swimming speed
  5. Florida Museum of Natural History — https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/white-shark/
    Supports: Maximum size and lifespan
  6. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/great-white-shark
    Supports: Diet, lifespan, size, and juvenile/adult feeding differences
  7. World Wildlife Fund — https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/great-white-shark
    Supports: Diet, habitat, conservation status, and general biology
  8. NOAA Fisheries — https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/white-shark
    Supports: Worldwide temperate and subtropical distribution