A great white shark, or Carcharodon carcharias, is a large shark that inhabits the coastal waters of all oceans. It is the largest macro-predatory fish on Earth.

An adult great white shark reaches an average of 15 feet in length. However, several great whites exceeding 20 feet and 5,000 pounds have been recorded, making the species the largest predatory fish on the planet.

According to the Ocean Portal of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the average female great white shark is 15 to 16 feet long while the average male is 11 to 13 feet long. Very large great white sharks have been found at 20 feet long.

Great white sharks live in temperate water around the world. They swim in shallow water as well as deep water.

Great white sharks have a lifespan of 30 to over 100 years. At the very beginning, two to 12 baby sharks, or pups, grow inside their mother for a full year before she gives birth. Great whites can be found in all major oceans and are well known for their large size. Some reach lengths of over 20 fee

In 2010, Barbara Block of Stanford University estimated the world population of great white sharks at less than 3,500 individuals. A June 2014 report from the Florida Program for Shark Research estimated that there are 3,000 great whites in the eastern North Pacific alone, suggesting a higher world

The world's largest predator in the fish genus, the great white shark averages 15 feet in length but can reach lengths of 20 feet and weights of more than 5,000 pounds. Some reports have indicated the great white can grow to 26 feet and weigh as much as 7,300 pounds.

The great white shark is an apex predator, and as such, healthy adults of the species have no natural predators. Only one real threat faces the great white shark: humans that accidentally catch them, illegally poach them, pollute the waters they live in or lay nets along coastlines that may entrap t

Great white sharks move by swimming. These powerful predators attain top speeds of over 15 MPH, but are only able to sustain such speeds for brief bursts. Great whites swim constantly because they rely on a breathing technique called ram ventilation. They swim with their mouths slightly open to forc

Great white sharks have many tools with which to protect themselves, such as powerful jaws, unique scales and efficient eyes. The shark has, in fact, evolved to be both a fierce predator and a defensible fortress.