Vulnerable species - Great white shark
Important information
Scientific name - Carcharadon carcharias
Distribution - Great white sharks are found throughout the world in temperate and subtropical oceans, with a preference for cooler waters. This distribution includes the coastal waters of NSW.
Size - Great white sharks measure around 120-150 cm at birth and can grow to at least 6 m in length, although there are unconfirmed reports of individuals up to 7 m.
Characteristics - Great white sharks have a torpedo-shaped body, coloured grey to grey-brown on the upper surface and white below. They have large, serrated triangular teeth, very small second dorsal and anal fins, and a distinct keel before the broad crescent-shaped tail.
Confusing species - They are occasionally mistaken for the mako shark, but the mako’s upper body is blue and they have long slender pointed teeth.