-
File photo: Great White Shark - Source: ONE News -
Related
A few facts about Carcharodon carcharias, otherwise known as the Great White Shark:
The Great White Shark is found in all major oceans. It is usually found close to the water surface, but has been recorded at ocean depths of over 1,200 metres.
The large, predatory fish is found in greater concentrations off southern Australia, South Africa and California.
The Great White Shark can reach lengths of more than six metres, although a typical adult Great White measures around four metres and up to 1,100kg. Female sharks are usally larger than their male counterparts.
There has been much contention over the years about the size of the largest Great White Shark ever found. The largest one recognised by the International Game Fish Association is a shark caught in south Australian waters in 1959 - it weighed in at a sizeable 1,208 kg.
There have been claims of larger Great White Sharks, but there is usually no verification, or (as with most fishing stories) the shark has been found to be smaller than claimed.
The question of the recorded weight of a shark is also complicated by the question of whether to account for the weight of whatever food is left inside its belly. It is reported that a Great White can take in up to 14kg of food with one bite.
Great White Shark have more than one row of teeth. This allows any that might happen to break off to be replaced quickly.
Needless to say, they are carnivorous and primarily eat fish, dolphins and whale carcasses. They typically ambush their prey, taking their target by surprise from below.
They are also known to kill humans, however, it is unusual for the shark to target mankind - despite what Hollywood might have you believe.
In most reported attacks on humans, Great Whites have broken off contact after the first bite. Death is usually caused by loss of blood rather than from being eaten whole.
The Great White Shark is the only surviving species of its genus. Since April 2007 they are fully protected within 200 nautical miles of New Zealand. It is not against the law to accidentally kill one, but it is illegal not to inform the Department of Conservation if one is caught or killed.
Latest NZ News Video
-
ONE News Minute 9am update: May 26 (1:00)
-
Kids cough up $14m for Government (1:50)
-
Education ministry 'barbaric' (1:55)
