The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) occurs naturally in all temperate marine waters. The great white sharks depicted here were encountered at Guadalupe Island, Mexico, although recent scientific evidence suggests that the Isla Guadalupe white sharks roam north through California waters and, perhaps, as far west as the Hawaiian Islands. Great white sharks are predators, the most feared in the world. They begin life feeding on fishes, small rays and sharks, switching as they grow in size to fat-rich blubbery marine mammals such as seals, sea lions and elephant seals. Known for their fearsome sudden attacks, great white sharks typically surprise their prey by rushing from below and grasping the victim with a powerful, large bite. If the bite is not fatal, the prey is usually left to weaken or die through blood loss (exsanguination), at which time the white shark returns to consume its prey.
Great white shark, injury behind right pectoral fin likely from another white shark during courtship or territorial dispute. Guadalupe Island (Isla Guadalupe), Baja California, Mexico
Image: 06921
Species: Carcharodon carcharias
Common name: Great white shark
Location: Guadalupe Island (Isla Guadalupe), Baja California, Mexico
Lat/Long: 28° 53' 24.6"N, 118° 14' 52.4"W (Coordinates: 28.89017°, -118.24789°)
Format: Film 3:2
Other Names: white pointer, white death, jaws
Copyright © Phillip Colla, all rights reserved worldwide.
Keywords: animalia, baja california, carcharias, carcharodon, carcharodon carcharias, chondrichthyes, chordata, danger, fin, great white, great white shark, guadalupe island, guadalupe island (isla guadalupe), isla guadalupe, jaws, lamnidae, lamniformes, man eater, man-eater, marine, mexico, nature, ocean, pacific, pectoral, pectoral fin, sea, shark, shark attack, white death, white pointer, wildlife