GREAT WHITE SHARK

Carcharodon Carcharias

The Great White Shark (sometimes called Great White for short) is a giant species of shark found all over the world and is the only surviving species in the genus Carcharodon. They are named for the color of their undersides that are a robust, white color. They are fast and aggressive hunters whose diets consist of fish, seals and even seabirds. Humans are sometimes attacked (but not commonly) by Great Whites. Surfers are commonly misidentified by the shark. The shark may recognise a surfer laying on a board as a seal and start swimming after it. They are one of the most aggressive species of shark and use a special organ called the ampullae of Lorenzini to find prey. This organ can detect any electrical fields in the water, and a great white’s can detect 1/500,000,000 of a volt. The shark is considered long-lived as it can live to be about 70 years old.

A company called Sharkbanz produced a bracelet to protect swimmers from being attacked. The band emits electromagnetic waves through the surrounding water. The high amount of electricity affecting the shark's ampullae can cause muscle spasms and pain causing the shark to flee.