Impressive Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) off the South African Coast (00010470)

Description: Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) An impressive great white shark crosses the water close to Geyser Rock and Dyer Island off the coast of South Africa. African penguins, cormorants, and a large colony of South African fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) call this area home. The surface hunter often locates its prey at the water's surface. With its size, strength, and fearsome jaws, the great white shark poses a constant threat to the fur seals around Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. Belonging to the mako shark family, the great white shark boasts large gill slits and long pectoral fins. The largest great white shark ever caught measured 6.4 meters in length and weighed an estimated 1500 kg. When launching a surprise attack from the depths, they accelerate so rapidly that they sometimes breach the water's surface. Its notorious jaws with sharp triangular teeth in the upper jaw and needle-like teeth in the lower jaw are both feared and respected. The great white shark occupies the top of the food chain and plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the ocean.

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

Date of Capture: 12.07.2002