About the Species
Older than dinosaurs and over 400 million years old, great white sharks are the largest predatory fish on earth. However, the media-perpetrated perception that great whites are bloodthirsty beasts is arguably one of the greatest misunderstandings and marine myths of all time. While shark attacks do occur, it is evident that white sharks are not fearsome, human-hunting creatures. If anything, white sharks can be pictured as curious. Behavioural scientists clarify that most of the time, white sharks are curious and use their teeth and nibbling behaviours to explore, much like puppies.
Biology
Physical Traits
- While most fish are cold-blooded, great whites are technically warm-blooded. This is due to their unique adaptation that derives and circulates heat from their swimming muscles.
- Their teeth are positioned in five rows and are renewed and replenished by a never-ending supply of teeth.
- Employing the lateral line underneath their skin, white sharks can detect underwater vibrations, such as the pulse or oscillation of prey.
- Their most unique sense is their electroception. Using their ‘ampullae of Lorenzini’ (the dot-like sensors near their snout),they can detect even a millionth of a bolt underwater, as well as the heartbeats or electrical fields within the ocean.
Reproduction and Lifespan
- White shark mating and nursing grounds are not entirely understood or documented. However, it is approximated that they have a 12-month gestation period. They are viviparous, meaning they preserve the fertilised eggs in the womb and once the eggs hatch, they are birthed live.
- White shark litters comprise about 2-10 pups, and the pups immediately part from their mothers at birth.
- White sharks reach maturity (ability to reproduce) quite late compared to other species (10 years for males and 12-33 years for females), and recent research has shown that white sharks can live up to 70 years. Hence their alarming re-population rates.