The Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is one of the largest predatory fish in the world. Famous for its size, speed, and powerful bite, it inhabits coastal and offshore waters in temperate oceans worldwide. A great white shark chart helps students, divers, anglers, and marine enthusiasts compare growth stages, size, weight, diet, and habitat.
Why Learn About Great White Sharks?
Understanding great white sharks helps you:
- Identify different life stages
- Estimate size and weight
- Learn feeding behavior
- Understand ocean ecosystems
- Study one of the ocean’s top predators
Great White Shark Size Chart
| Life Stage | Length | Approx. Weight | Typical Age | Primary Diet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pup | 3.5–5 ft (1.1–1.5 m) | 20–70 lbs (9–32 kg) | Birth–1 year | Small fish, rays |
| Juvenile | 5–10 ft (1.5–3 m) | 70–300 lbs (32–136 kg) | 1–6 years | Fish, squid |
| Subadult | 10–13 ft (3–4 m) | 300–800 lbs (136–363 kg) | 6–12 years | Fish, rays, small sharks |
| Adult Male | 11–13 ft (3.4–4 m) | 800–1,500 lbs (363–680 kg) | 12+ years | Seals, sea lions, fish |
| Adult Female | 15–20 ft (4.6–6.1 m) | 1,500–4,000+ lbs (680–1,814+ kg) | 16+ years | Marine mammals, large fish |
Females are generally larger and heavier than males.
Great White Shark Diet Chart
| Life Stage | Main Food Sources |
|---|---|
| Pup | Small fish, skates, rays |
| Juvenile | Fish, squid, small sharks |
| Subadult | Tuna, rays, sharks |
| Adult | Seals, sea lions, dolphins (occasionally), large fish |
As great whites grow, they shift from eating mainly fish to hunting larger marine mammals.
Habitat Chart
| Habitat | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| Coastal Waters | Excellent |
| Continental Shelves | Excellent |
| Offshore Ocean | Common |
| Seal Colonies | Excellent |
| Temperate Oceans | Excellent |
| Tropical Waters | Occasional |
Great white sharks are found in oceans around North America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and parts of South America.
Average Length vs Weight
| Length | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 50 lbs |
| 8 ft | 180 lbs |
| 10 ft | 350 lbs |
| 12 ft | 800 lbs |
| 15 ft | 1,500 lbs |
| 18 ft | 2,500 lbs |
| 20 ft | 3,500–4,000+ lbs |
Actual weight varies depending on age, sex, and body condition.
Great White Shark Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Carcharodon carcharias |
| Family | Lamnidae |
| Maximum Length | About 20–21 ft (6–6.4 m) |
| Maximum Weight | Over 4,000 lbs (1,800 kg) |
| Average Lifespan | 40–70 years |
| Top Speed | Up to 25 mph (40 km/h) |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable |
Identification Tips
- Large, torpedo-shaped gray body
- White underside (countershading)
- Powerful crescent-shaped tail
- Large triangular dorsal fin
- Rows of serrated triangular teeth
- Black eyes with no visible eyelids
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a great white shark get?
Most adult females reach 15–20 feet (4.6–6.1 meters), with exceptional individuals slightly exceeding 20 feet.
What do great white sharks eat?
Young sharks mainly eat fish and squid, while adults commonly prey on seals, sea lions, and large fish.
Where do great white sharks live?
They inhabit temperate coastal and offshore waters around the world, especially near seal colonies and productive marine ecosystems.
How fast can a great white shark swim?
Great white sharks can reach about 25 mph (40 km/h) during short bursts while attacking prey.
Are great white sharks endangered?
They are currently classified as Vulnerable, with populations affected by accidental capture, habitat pressures, and slow reproduction.
Conclusion
A great white shark chart provides a quick reference for comparing life stages, size, weight, diet, and habitat. From 3.5-foot pups to 20-foot adults weighing over 4,000 pounds, the great white shark remains one of the ocean’s most powerful and fascinating apex predators.
