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Carcharodon carcharias (Linnaeus, 1758)
White Shark
Family: Lamnidae
Introduction to the Fish

Photograph

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Map

Source: Distribution of Carcharodon carcharias as compiled by Aquamaps

Introduction


The White Shark, or Great White Shark, is a large predatory fish species that is wide-ranging in the oceans of the world. It is found from sub-polar regions in both the northern and southern hemisphere to the tropics. However, as of 2005, there were only 47 confirmed sightings of this species in Canadian waters (Martin and Wallace 2005). In British Columbia, it is reported from Esperanza Inlet and Hecate Strait--most of the records are for stranded sharks on the leeward beaches of the Queen Charlotte Islands (now known as Haida Gwaii) (Martin and Wallace 2005). While it is sometimes found along shores, the white shark does not occur in brackish or freshwater areas.

The White Shark is the only species in the genus Carcharodon. It is a long-lived species that can reach ages of between 23 and 60 years; maximum size of the species is unknown--the largest specimens range from 5.5-8.0 m but there are reports of larger individuals (Martin and Wallace 2005). There is very little information available on population numbers of White Sharks in BC or elsewhere. However, by-catch information from several regions around the world shows a significant drop in numbers.

Report shark sightings to 1 877 50-SHARK (1-877-507-4275). Visit the BC Shark and Skate Reports Blog.

Species Information

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. A huge, spindle-shaped shark with conspicuous black eyes, a blunt, conical snout and large, triangular, saw-edged teeth (Ref. 5578). First dorsal-fin origin usually over the pectoral-fin inner margins (Ref. 43278, 6871). Caudal fin crescentic (Ref. 247). Lead-grey to brown or black above, lighter on sides, and abruptly white below (Ref. 6851). Black spot at rear pectoral fin base (Ref. 6851).

Source: FishBase. Compagno, L.J.V. 1984 . (Ref. 247).

Biology

Species Biology

Primarily a coastal and offshore inhabitant of continental and insular shelves, but may also occur off oceanic islands far from land (Ref. 247, 43278, 58302). Often close inshore to the surf line and even penetrates shallow bays (Ref. 247). Pelagic, capable of migration across oceanic regions (Ref. 58302). Usually solitary or in pairs but can be found in feeding aggregations of 10 or more; does not form schools (Ref. 247). Feeds on bony fishes, sharks, rays, seals, dolphins and porpoises, sea birds, carrion, squid, octopi and crabs (Ref. 5578) and whales (Ref. 32140). Ovoviviparous, embryos feeding on yolk sac and other ova produced by the mother (Ref. 43278, 50449). Number of young born per litter, 7 (Ref. 31395) to 14 (Ref. 26346). Sometimes considered the most dangerous shark in the world (Ref. 26938). pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous (Ref. 51243); brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 1280 m (Ref. 6871), usually 0 - 250 m (Ref. 55270). Subtropical.

Source: FishBase. Compagno, L.J.V. 1984 . (Ref. 247).

Distribution

Distribution

Cosmopolitan, mostly amphitemperate. Western Atlantic: Newfoundland, Canada to Argentina; also north Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas, Cuba and Lesser Antilles (Ref. 26938). Eastern Atlantic: France to South Africa, including the Mediterranean. Indian Ocean: Red Sea, Seychelles, South Africa; also Reunion and Mauritius (Ref. 33390). Western Pacific: Siberia to New Zealand and the Marshall Islands; also south Australia (Ref. 26938). Central Pacific: Hawaii. Eastern Pacific: Alaska to Chile.

Source: FishBase. Compagno, L.J.V. 1984 . (Ref. 247).

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
NativeSNRNo StatusDD (Apr 2006)



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Additional Range and Status Information Links

NatureServe Explorer
 University of Alaska Museum

Species References

Martin, R. Aidan and Scott Wallace. 2005. COSEWIC status report on White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias. Prepared for the Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada. Draft for review. Available Online.

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