Biggest Great White Sharks Ever Recorded

Great white sharks, scientifically known as Carcharodon carcharias, are renowned for their size, strength, and predatory skills. They are found in oceans around the world and are known to grow to significant sizes, making them one of the largest predatory fish in the sea. This article delves into the history of the largest great white sharks ever recorded, providing a comprehensive overview of their size, notable specimens, and intriguing stories.

Key Takeaways

• Great white sharks are among the largest predatory fish in the ocean.
• Female great whites generally grow larger than males.
• The largest recorded great white sharks have been measured at lengths exceeding 6 meters (20 feet).
• Many reports of giant great white sharks exist, but not all are confirmed.
• Technological advancements are helping scientists better understand and document these incredible creatures.

The Average Size of Great White Sharks

Great white sharks are born relatively small but grow rapidly. Understanding their average size helps put the largest specimens into perspective.

Growth from Birth

• Pups: Great white shark pups are born at about 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) long.
• Growth Rate: They grow about 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) each year.

Adult Size

• Males: Typically reach 3.4 to 4.0 meters (11 to 13 feet) in length and weigh between 522 and 771 kilograms (1151 to 1700 pounds).
• Females: Usually larger, growing to 4.6 to 4.9 meters (15 to 16 feet) and weighing between 680 and 1110 kilograms (1500 to 2450 pounds).

Average Size of Great White Sharks

Maximum Size and Sightings

Several great white sharks have been recorded at sizes larger than the average, with some of the most notable specimens being confirmed through scientific methods.

Confirmed Large Specimens

• Ledge Point, Western Australia (1987): A great white shark measured at 6.0 meters (19.7 feet).
• Prince Edward Island, Canada (1988): A female great white shark confirmed at 6.1 meters (20 feet).
• Australian Waters (1959): The largest great white shark recognized by the International Game Fish Association, weighing 1208 kilograms (2663 pounds), caught by Alf Dean.

The Guinness Book of World Records and Notable Specimens

Historical records have noted some exceptionally large great white sharks, though not all measurements have been verified.

Guinness Book of World Records

• Port Fairy, Australia (1870s): Initially reported as 10.9 meters (36 feet), later revised to about 5 meters (16.4 feet).
• New Brunswick, Canada (1930s): Reported at 11.3 meters (37 feet), later identified as a misidentified basking shark.

Modern Unconfirmed Reports

There are numerous unconfirmed reports of giant great white sharks in recent history. Some of these reports suggest lengths greater than 7 meters (23 feet).

Deep Blue

• Estimated Size: 6.1 meters (20 feet).
• Sightings: Filmed during a 2014 Shark Week episode and seen again in 2019 near Ohau.

The Submarine

“The Submarine” is a legendary great white shark said to have patrolled False Bay, South Africa, in the 1980s. Its size was rumored to be over 7 meters (23 feet), but it was never scientifically confirmed.

Eyewitness Accounts

• Craig Anthony Ferreira: Notable shark expert who documented encounters with the Submarine, providing detailed witness accounts in his book.

Largest Confirmed Great White Sharks

Conclusion

While many reports of giant great white sharks exist, confirming these sightings with modern technology and scientific methods remains a challenge. The largest great white sharks ever recorded continue to fascinate scientists and enthusiasts alike, and ongoing research will hopefully provide more insights into these incredible ocean predators.