Great White Shark

Carcharodon carcharias

A rare but increasing visitor to our area is the most famous of all sharks: The Great White. Over the past few years this species has dramatically increased in number off the Massachusetts coast in Summer. The exact reason for this sudden increase is unclear, however, it is likely due to a combination of factors including warming ocean temperatures (Great whites are warm water animals) and an increase in the Gray seal population. Seals are one of the Great white’s main prey items and so an increase in seals would likely contribute to a corresponding increase in Great whites.

The largest Great white sharks can reach 20 feet in length and weigh over 5,000lbs. As with the other species on this page, females are considerable larger and heavier than males.