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Identifying
Great White Sharks
Great whites have heavy spindle-shaped bodies with conical snouts and a
narrow tail stalk supported by stout lateral keels. Their coloration reflects a
sharp demarcation between dark upper surfaces and white lower surfaces. The
pectoral fins have a white trailing edge, black tips on the undersides, and a
black spot occurs at the pectoral axil (“armpit”) in some individuals. Their
jaws are loaded with large, triangular, and serrated teeth.
White
Shark Facts -
White shark pups: 3.5-5 feet long at birth. -
Adults: Max. known length at least 20 ft. Max. known weight of more than
2,730 lb. Individuals up to 23 feet in length and 5,070 lb are probable. -
A female white shark was captured off Pt. Vincente in September 1986 that
measured 17.6 ft and weighed 4,140 lbs. - Sexual maturity: Males =
9-10 years old, Females = 14-16 years old. - Widely distributed around
the world, ranging from cold temperate to tropical seas. Prefers waters with sea
surface temperatures of 59-72 °F. - Known depth range: Surface
to at least 6,150 ft.
White
Shark Attack Statistics on Humans in California Attacks
Fatalities 1950s 8
4 1960s 11
0 1970s 19
0 1980s 17
4 1990s ca. 15 0
**Notice that despite the fact that human use of the water over the years
has greatly increased, attacks have not.
Graphic - Differences between similar looking white, mako, and salmon sharks
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