Also known as
- White Pointer AU
- Tiburón Blanco ES
- Grand Requin Blanc FR
- Weißer Hai DE
- Witdoodshaai ZA
- White Shark US
- White Death US
- Great White US
Identification
A colossal torpedo-shaped apex predator with a deep heavily-muscled frame built for explosive burst attacks and sustained cruising power. Females grow significantly larger than males. Sheer bulk and raw power unmatched among pelagic predators.
- Slate-grey to near-black upper body with an abrupt hard line transitioning to a bright white underside
- Black oval blotch at the base of the side fin on most specimens
- Conical snout with pitch-black unblinking eyes
- Large triangular serrated teeth visible when the jaw opens
Where it holds
- Inshore
- Offshore
- Oceanic
Behaviour
Apex predators whose diet shifts with age — juveniles take fish and cephalopods; large adults specialise in energy-dense marine mammals like seals and sea lions. Sophisticated ambush hunters that stalk from deep water and launch explosive vertical attacks, often breaching clear of the surface. Peak feeding in the first two hours after sunrise. Feast-or-famine feeders — one large meal sustains them for weeks. Most active in 15-22°C (59-72°F) water around seal colonies and deep drop-offs.
Diet: Tuna, Mackerel, Bonito, Seals, Rays, Cephalopods
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Chunking
Drift with a steady chum slick of oily baitfish to draw fish into range, then present whole or large chunk baits on heavy circle hooks (12/0-16/0) with 400lb+ wire leaders. Non-offset hooks only to reduce deep hooking. Keep fight under 15 minutes, release at boatside without removing fish from the water.
